This document describes the four main types of plant tissues: meristematic, dermal, ground, and vascular tissues. Meristematic tissue contains cells that divide rapidly to facilitate growth. Dermal tissue forms the plant's outer covering. Ground tissue provides support, carries out photosynthesis, and stores food and water. Vascular tissue transports water, minerals, and food throughout the plant and strengthens its structure. Each tissue type performs distinct but interconnected functions that allow plants to grow, obtain nutrients, and transport materials throughout their bodies.

1. Tissues
an integrated group of cells with a
common structure and function

2. Plant Tissues
n Meristematic tissue: rapid cell division,
lengthening of shoots and roots
n Dermal tissue: covering for the plant
body
n Ground tissue: support, photosynthesis,
and storage
n Vascular tissue: conduction of water,
food, and dissolved minerals; strengthens
and supports the plant

3. Meristematic Tissue
 cells that do not
differentiate
 cells retain the ability to
divide
 Types:
 Apical – primary growth at
root and shoot tips
 Lateral – secondary growth
in trees and shrubs
 Intercalary – secondary
growth in monocot stems

4. Region of cell
differentiation
Apical meristem /maturation
Region of cell
 In shoot tips and elongation
root tips
 Allium cepa root tip
Region of cell
division
Apical meristem
Root cap

5. Dermal Tissues
Epidermis
 Single layer of cells called the
epidermis in herbaceous
plants
 Guard cells
 Trichomes
 Root hairs
 Functions
 Absorption
 Secretion of cuticle
 Protection
 Control of gas exchange Cuticle

6. The Ground
Tissue System

7. Parenchyma cells
 spherical-shaped cells
 found throughout plant
 thin primary walls
 living, metabolizing tissue
 functions:
 Photosynthesis & respiration
 Storage (starch, oil droplets, water,
and salts)
 Wound healing & regeneration

8. Collenchyma
 beneath the epidermis in
young stems and in large
veins of leaves
 elongated cells that have
unevenly thickened cell
walls
 alive at maturity
 flexible support system
 found uniformly throughout
the plant

9. Sclerenchyma
 structural support
 two types:
 fibers – support in
wood, bark, leaves,
stems
 sclereids – protection
in fruits, seeds, other
plant organs
 primary and secondary cell
walls.
 dead at functional maturity

10. The Vascular
Tissue System

11. Complex
Vascular
Tissues
 Xylem
 Conducts water and dissolved
minerals from the roots
 Phloem
 Conducts dissolved food
materials, carbohydrates,
in solution
 Continuous throughout
plant
 Support plant body

13. All 4 types of
tissues are present
in the root tip

14. Young dicot stem Young monocot stem