Plant tissues can be divided into three main types: dermal tissue, ground tissue, and vascular tissue. Dermal tissue forms the outer layer and includes the epidermis and cuticle. Ground tissue provides structure and storage. Vascular tissue transports water and nutrients throughout the plant and includes xylem and phloem. Leaves are specialized for photosynthesis and contain mesophyll and vascular bundles. Roots absorb water and minerals from soil and come in two main types: taproots and fibrous roots. Stems provide structure and transport and develop primary and secondary tissues over time.

3. The Cuticle - a waxy coating designed to minimize water loss and act as a physical barrier against disease. Upper and Lower Epidermis – an outer layer which does not contain chloroplasts. Their thick walls are helpful for their protective function. Guard Cells – There are spaces in the epidermis called stoma which permit oxygen and water vapour to leave the leaf and carbon dioxide to enter. Each stoma has two guard cells around it, which regulate the opening and closing of the stomates. The structure of leaves is geared to ensure that photosynthesis takes place as efficiently as possible. Leaves are composed of a number of specialised cell types: Leaves

4. Spongy Mesophyll – active area of photosynthesis. Air spaces are between the cells and are involved in gas excange during photosynthesis. Vascular Bundles – composed mainly of xylem and Phloem. Water, minerals and other dissolved substances are conducted in the xylem, carbohydrates are conducted in the phloem. Palisade Mesophyll – these cells contain the greatest concentration of chloroplasts and is the most active area of photosynthesis.