Types of Plant Tissues

Plant tissue refers to groups of cells. These cells are organized and function together to perform specific tasks in a plant which may be either similar or dissimilar in a structure. Now let’s discuss the major types of plant tissues in detail.

There are two types of plant tissue, categorized based on the types of cells they consist of. These are the major types of the plant tissue.

Meristematic Tissues

Merismatic tissues are a group of young cells that divide continuously to form new cells. These types of tissues are generally found in the growing regions of a plant. There are three main types of merismatic tissues present in a plant body:

• Apical Meristem: These types of meristem tissues are found in the tips of roots and shoots. These are responsible for the primary growth of a plant.
• Lateral Meristem: Lateral meristem is found along the sides of stems and roots which contributes to the secondary growth of a plant in diameter.
• Intercalary Meristem: These tissues are generally found in the nase of leaves and are involved in the growth of a plant structure.

Permanent Tissues

Permanent tissues are a group of cells that have lost their ability to divide and create more tissues. Their origin is also same as their functionality.

There are three major types of permanent tissues:

• Simple Permanent Tissues: Simple permanent tissues are similar in structures and functions. These can be divided into three based on their purpose: Parenchyma, Collenchyma, and Sclerenchyma.
• Complex Permanent Tissues: Complex permanent tissue is composed of different types of cells that collaborate to perform a specific function. They contribute in growth and development of vascular plants to function it correctly.
• Special or Secretory Tissues: The special tissues contribute to the adaptability, defense mechanisms, and overall survival strategies of plants in diverse environmental conditions. These tissues play a major role in the plant’s metabolism.

Tissues are the collection of cells with similar structures that can operate as a unit in an organism. They have a shared structure and function to carry out the necessary tasks to ensure overall well-being and functions of a multicellular structure, specifically plant or animal. The word “tissue” came from the French word “tissue”, which means “to weave”. In this article, we will look into the different types and functions of tissues that contribute to specific roles to maintain the integrity of the organism.