Plant Tissues Table
Visual breakdown of Plant Anatomy. From active Meristems to complex Vascular Systems.
Meristematic (Apical)
Root and Shoot tips
Primary growth (increase in length)
Meristematic (Lateral)
Sides of stem/root (Cambium)
Secondary growth (increase in girth/thickness)
Meristematic (Intercalary)
Base of leaves/internodes
Growth of leaves and internodes
Parenchyma
Soft parts of plant (Cortex, Pith)
Storage, photosynthesis (Chlorenchyma), buoyancy (Aerenchyma)
Collenchyma
Leaf stalks, below epidermis
Mechanical support, flexibility (allows bending)
Sclerenchyma
Stems, vascular bundles, seed coats
Structural strength, protection (Dead cells)
Xylem
Vascular bundles (Roots to Leaves)
Transport of water and minerals (Unidirectional)
Phloem
Vascular bundles (Leaves to parts)
Transport of food/sucrose (Bidirectional translocation)
Epidermis
Outermost layer
Protection against water loss, infection; Stomata for gas exchange
Cork
Outer bark of old stems
Protection, insulation, prevents water loss (Suberin)
Classification of Plant Tissues
Plant tissues are broadly classified into two main groups based on their ability to divide: Meristematic (Growing) and Permanent (Non-growing).
1. Meristematic Tissue (Growth)
These active cells are constantly dividing. They are responsible for the plant's growth in length and thickness.
2. Permanent Tissue (Structure)
Cells that have lost the power to divide and have attained a permanent shape, size, and function.
Xylem
- • Transports Water & Minerals
- • Unidirectional (Roots → Up)
- • Mostly dead cells (Tracheids, Vessels)
Phloem
- • Transports Food (Sucrose)
- • Bidirectional (Source ↔ Sink)
- • Mostly living cells (Sieve tubes)
Interactive Features
Organized Groups
Tissues are grouped logically by biology types (Meristematic vs Permanent) not just alphabetically.
Visual Icons
Specific icons for Water (Xylem) and Growth (Meristem) help in visual active recall.
Search Filter
Allows you to instantly find "Epidermis" or "Parenchyma" without scrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main function of Meristematic Tissue?
Meristematic tissues are responsible for the growth of the plant. Their cells actively divide to produce new cells, increasing the length and girth of the plant.
How does Xylem differ from Phloem?
Xylem transports water and minerals from roots to leaves (unidirectional). Phloem transports food (sucrose) from leaves to all other parts (bidirectional).
What is the function of Parenchyma?
Parenchyma acts as a packing tissue, filling spaces between other tissues. It stores food, provides buoyancy in aquatic plants (Aerenchyma), and performs photosynthesis (Chlorenchyma).
Which tissue makes the coconut husk hard?
The hardness of a coconut husk is due to Sclerenchyma tissue. These are dead cells with thick lignified walls that provide structural strength.
Where is Apical Meristem found?
Apical Meristem is found at the growing tips of roots and shoots (stems). It is responsible for the increase in the length of the plant (Primary Growth).
What is the role of Stomata?
Stomata are tiny pores found on the epidermis of leaves. They allow for gas exchange (taking in CO₂, releasing O₂) and transpiration (water loss).
Why is Phloem called a complex tissue?
It is called complex because it is made of more than one type of cell working together: Sieve tubes, Companion cells, Phloem parenchyma, and Phloem fibers.
Do plants have protective tissues?
Yes, plants have Epidermis (outer skin) and Cork (bark). They protect against water loss, mechanical injury, and parasitic invasion.
What gives flexibility to plant parts?
Collenchyma tissue provides flexibility and mechanical support, allowing plant parts like leaf stalks and young stems to bend without breaking.
What is Cambium?
Cambium is a layer of lateral meristematic tissue responsible for secondary growth, which increases the thickness (girth) of stems and roots.