A collection of cells that perform a specific function is called tissue. Plant tissues can be grouped into plant tissue systems, each of which performs specialized functions. A plant tissue system is defined as a functional unit, which connects all organs of a plant. The plant tissue system is also grouped into various tissues based on their functions. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Plant tissues can be broadly classified based on the ability of cells to divide into merismatic tissue and permanent tissue. Merismatic tissues are made up of a group of cells that have the ability to divide. These tissues are small, cubic, densely packed cells that continue to divide to form new cells. These tissues are capable of stretching, widening, and differentiating into other types of tissues as they mature. Meristematic tissues give rise to permanent tissues. Merismatic tissues can be of three types depending on the region in which they are present: apical meristems, lateral meristems and intercalary meristems. Permanent tissues arise from merismatic tissues and have lost the ability to divide. They have reached their mature form. They are further classified into two types: simple and complex permanent tissues. Permanent tissues make up the majority of the plant. Parenchyma: These tissues are found in the soft parts of a plant such as roots, stems, leaves and flowers. The cells of this tissue are loosely packed and contain large intercellular spaces between them. Each cell has a vacuole in the center. The functions of parenchyma tissues are storage, photosynthesis, and helping the plant to float on water. Collenchyma: These are similar to parenchyma cells with thicker cell walls. They are intended to provide mechanical support to the plant structure in parts such as the leaf petiole. Sclerenchyma: The cells in this tissue are dead. They are rigid, containing thick, lignified secondary walls. Their main function is to provide strength and support to parts of the plant. Unlike simple permanent cells that look the same and are made up of one type of cell, complex permanent tissues are made up of more than one type of cell. These different cell types coordinate to perform a function. Xylem and phloem are complex permanent tissues and are found in the vascular bundles of plants. Xylem - Consists of tracheids, vessels, xylem parenchyma, and xylem fibers. Tracheids and vessels are hollow tube-like structures that help conduct water and minerals. The xylem leads only in one direction, that is, vertically. The xylem parenchyma is responsible for the preservation of prepared food and aids in the conduction of water. Xylem fibers are supportive in function. Phloem: consists of four elements: sieve tubes, companion cells, phloem fibers and phloem parenchyma. Unlike xylem, phloem conducts in both directions. It is responsible for transporting food from the leaves to other parts of the plant. Phloem contains living tissues except fibers which are dead tissues. Plant tissues have different functions depending on their structure and location. They help provide mechanical strength to organs. They help provide elasticity and flexibility to the organs. They help the tissues to bend easily into various parts of a plant such as leaves, stem and branches without damaging the plant. Xylem and phloem tissues aid in the transport of material through plants. They divide to produce new cells and help in plant growth. . They help in various cellular metabolisms such as photosynthesis,.
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