1

Chapter 2

TISSUES
1. Define Tissue.
A group of cells that are similar in structure and / or work together to achieve a particular
function is called Tissues.
E.g. Blood, phloem, muscles cells.
2. What is the utility of tissues in a multi cellular organism?
Cells specializing in one function are often grouped together in the body. This means that a
particular function is carried out by a cluster of cells at a definite place in the body. This cluster of cells
called the tissues is arranged and designed as to give the highest possible efficiency of function.
3. How plant tissues are classified on basis of dividing capacity?
Growth of plant is limited to certain regions. Based on the dividing capacity of the tissues, the
plant tissues are classified as meristamatic tissues or growing tissues and permanent tissues.
4. What are meristems? How they are classified?
Meristems are a group of cells which are in a continuous state of division and are present at the
growing regions of the plant.
Depending on the region they present, meristamatic tissues are classified as apical, intercalary
and lateral.
Apical meristem: The meristems which present at the growing tips of stems and roots. Due to the activity
of apical meristem, the length of the plant increases.
Lateral Meristem (Cambium): The meristems present along the sides of the stem and root is called the
lateral meristem. When the lateral meristem divides, the girth of the plant increases.
Intercalary meristem: The meristems present in between the permanent tissues are called the intercalary
meristems. It is also present at the base of the leaves or at internodes.
 2

5. What are Permanent tissues? How they are classified?

The tissues which lost their capacity to divide and are differentiated for a special function are
called permanent tissues. The process by which meristamatic tissues take up a permanent size, shape and
function is called differentiation.
Permanent Tissue

Simple Complex

Paranchyma Collenchyma Phloem Xylem

Sclerenchyma

6. Characteristics of meristamatic tissues.

They are continuously dividing tissues.
They are very active.
They have dense cytoplasm.

They have thin cellulose walls.

They have prominent nuclei.
They lack vacuoles.
7. Write a short note on simple permanent Tissues.
The permanent tissues which are made up of only one type of cells are called simple permanent
tissue. They are classified into – parenchyma, collenchyma and sclerenchyma.
(I) Parenchyma:
They are the basic packing tissue.
They have thin cell walls.
They are live cells.
They are loosely packed with large spaces between them (inter cellular
space.)
They provide support to plants and stores food material.
 3

Chlorenchyma: Parenchyma tissues with chloroplast are called chlorenchyma. Its function is to perform
photosynthesis.
Aerenchyma: Parenchyma tissues with large air cavities are called aerenchyma. It gives buoyancy to
plants and helps them to float.
2. Collenchyma: They are living, elongated simple permanent tissue. They are irregularly thickened at
corners. They have very little inter cellular space.
It gives flexibility to plants and allows easy bending in various parts of the plant with out
breaking it. Also it provides mechanical support to plants.
3. Sclerenchyma: They are dead, thick walled simple permanent tissue. The thickness is due to the
presence of lignin. It makes the plant hard and stiff. They are arranged compactly without inter cellular
space. It provides strength to plant parts.
8. What is epidermis? Explain the role of epidermis in plant.
Epidermis is the outer most layer of cells in plants. It is usually made of a single layer of cells.
Cells of epidermis forms a continuous layer without inter cellular space. These are flat cells and the outer
and side cell walls are thicker than the inner wall.
1. Epidermis covers the entire surface of plant and it protects all parts of the plant.
2. In plants having dry habitat, the epidermis is thicker and it gives protection against water loss.
3. Epidermal cells on the aerial parts of the plant secrets a waxy, water resistant layer which gives
protection against water loss, mechanical injury and invasion by parasitic fungi.
4. Epidermal cells of roots bear long hair like structures that increases the total absorptive surface area.
5. In desert plants, epidermis has a thick waxy coating of cutin which helps to avoid water loss.
6. Epidermal cells of leaves have stomata that helps in gas exchange and transpiration.
9. What are stomata? Give its function.
The pores present on the epidermis of leaves are called stomata. It is enclosed by two kidney
shaped cells called the guard cells.
Stomata are necessary for exchanging gases with atmosphere. The loss of water in form of water
vapour (transpiration) also takes place through stomata.
10. Name the regions where parenchyma tissues are present.
Parenchyma is present in almost all organs of the plant such as stems, roots, leaves, flowers, fruits
and seeds.
11. How does cork act as a protective tissue?
OR
Difference between the stem of a young plant and the branch of a tree.
 4

12. What are complex permanent tissues? Explain.

Tissues which are made up of more than one type of a cell are called complex permanent tissues.
All these cells coordinate to perform a common function. Eg. Xylem and phloem.
Both xylem and phloem are conducting tissues and constitute a vascular bundle.
Xylem: Xylem conducts water and nutrients from roots to different parts of the plant.
Xylem consists of mainly 4 types of cells. They are tracheids, vessels, xylem parenchyma and xylem
fibres. Both tracheids and vessels are tubular in structure and allow transporting water and minerals
vertically. Xylem parenchyma store food and helps in the side wise conduction of water. Xylem fibres are
supportive in function.
Phloem: Phloem can conduct in both directions. It transports food from leaves to different parts of the
body.
It is made up of mainly 4 types of cells – sieve tubes, companion cells, phloem parenchyma and phloem
fibres. Sieve tubes are tubular cells with perforated walls. All phloem cells are living except phloem
fibres.
13. How animal tissues are classified?
Animal tissues are classified into 4 types of tissues. They are
Epithelial, connective, muscular, nervous.
14. What are epithelial tissues? How it is classified?
The covering or protective tissues in the body are called epithelial tissues. It covers most organs
and cavities of the body. It forms a barrier to separate body systems. They are tightly packed without
intercellular space and form a continuous sheet. All epithelium is usually separated from the underlying
tissue by an extracellular fibrous basement membrane. Anything entering the body or leaving the body
must cross at least one layer of epithelium. So the permeability of the cells in the epithelium plays an
important role in regulating the exchange of materials between different parts of the body and between
body and external environment.
Depending up on the shape and function of cells, it is classified as – squamous, cuboidal,
columnar, ciliated and glandular.

15. What is squamous epithelial tissue?

It is a type of epithelial tissue. They are of two types Simple (composed of a single layer of cells)
and stratified (made up of several layers of cells). Simple squamous epithelium is present where
 5

transportation of substances occurs through a selectively permeable membrane. They are extremely thin
and flat and form a delicate lining. The oesophagus, lining of mouth, lining blood vessel, lung alveoli are
covered by this epithelial tissue.
Epithelial tissues which are arranged in many layers that it forms a pattern of layers are called
stratified squamous epithelium. They are present in skin. Skin epithelial tissues protect the body and
prevent wear and tear.
16. What are columnar epithelial tissues?
They are pillar like cells that facilitates the movement across the epithelial barrier. This
epithelium is usually present where absorption and secretions occurs. Eg. Inner lining of intestine.
In the respiratory tract columnar epithelial cells have cilia which are the hair like projections on
the outer surface of the cells. These cilia can move and their movement pushes the mucous forward to
clear it. This type of epithelium is called ciliated columnar epithelium.
17. What is cuboidal epithelium? Where it is present?
The epithelial cells which are cube like in structure are called cuboidal epithelium. They are
present in the lining of kidney tubules and ducts of salivary glands. The function of this epithelium is to
provide mechanical support. It also helps in absorption, secretion and excretion.
18. Explain glandular tissue?
The epithelial tissue often acquires additional specialization as gland cells, which can secrete chemical
substances at the epithelial surface. Sometimes a portion of the epithelial tissue folds inward and a
multicellular gland is formed. This is glandular epithelium.
19. Explain connective tissue.
The cells of the connective tissue are living, loosely spaced, less in number and embedded in an
intercellular matrix. The matrix may be jelly like, fluid, dense or rigid. The nature of matrix differs
corresponding to the function of the particular connective tissue. There are five types of connective
tissues in animals. They are,
1. Fluid connective tissue – Blood and lymph
2. Skeletal Tissue – Bone and cartilage
3. Fibrous connective Tissue – Tendon and ligament
4. Areolar connective tissue
5. Adipose tissue
20. Blood
Blood is a fluid connective tissue. The fluid (liquid) matrix of blood is called plasma. Plasma
contains red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs) and platelets. The plasma contains proteins,
 6

salts and hormones. RBCs contain haemoglobin which carries oxygen. WBCs are of five types –
lymphocyte, monocyte, neutrophils, basophils and eosinophils. Blood occurs in blood vessels called
arteries, veins and capillaries.
Function of blood
1. Blood flows and transport nutrients, gases, digested food, hormones and waste materials to
different parts of the body.
2. RBCs contain haemoglobin which carries oxygen to the tissues for the oxidation of food.
3. WBCs are involved in defence mechanism of the body.
4. Blood platelets help in blood clotting.
21. Lymph
Lymph is a colorless fluid that has filtered out of the blood capillaries. Lymph has the same
composition of blood, but the RBCs and some blood proteins are absent. Since in lymph the WBCs are
found in abundance, it forms the defence or immune system of the body.
22. Explain bone?
Bone is a very strong, non flexible and porous connective tissue. It forms the frame work that
supports the body. It also anchors the muscles and supports the main organs of the body. It is a strong
and nonflexible tissue. Bone cells are embedded in a hard matrix that are composed of proteins, calcium
and phosphorus compounds. Bone cells are called osteocytes. Two bones are connected to each other by
a very elastic connective tissue called the ligament. Bones are connected to muscles by another fibrous
connective tissue called tendon.
23. Explain cartilage?
Cartilage is a connective tissue with widely spaced cells. They smoothens bone surface at joints.
The solid matrix is composed of proteins and sugars. It is present in nose, ear, trachea and larynx.
24. Differentiate between tendon and ligaments?
Ligaments Tendon

Connects bone to bone Connects muscles to bone

It is very elastic tissue It is fibrous(inelastic) tissue

It has considerable strength It has great strength

It contains very little matrix Its flexibility is limited

Made up of white and yellow Made up of white fibres.

 7

fibres.

25. Explain Areolar connective tissue.

It’s a very loose connective tissue. Its matrix consists of two kinds of fibres- White collagen
fibres and Yellow collagen fibres.
1. They are found between skin and muscles, around blood vessels and veins, in bone marrow.
2. It fills the spaces inside the organs.
3. It fixes skin to underlying muscles.
4. It supports internal organs and helps in the repair of tissues after an injury.

26. Explain Adipose tissue.

Adipose tissue is basically an aggregation of fat cells or adipocytes. They are found below the skin and
between the internal organs. The cells of this tissue are filled with fat globules. It stores fat and acts as
an insulator.

26. What is a muscular tissue?

Tissues present in muscles are called muscular tissues. The cells of this tissue are elongated and
called muscle fibres. This tissue is responsible for the movement in our body. Muscles contain special
proteins called contractile proteins, which contract and relax to cause movement.
27. What is a skeletal muscle?
The muscles which are mostly attached to bones are called skeletal muscles. They help in body
movement. Since these muscles are under the control our will, they are called voluntary muscles. These
muscles show alternate dark and light bands or striations under a microscope when it is stained properly.
So it is called striated muscles. The cells of this tissue are long, cylindrical, unbranched and
multinucleate.E.g. Muscles present in our limbs
28. Explain smooth muscles?
These muscles control involuntary actions. So they are called involuntary muscles. The cells of
this tissue are long with pointed ends (spindle shaped) and it is uninucleate. They are called unstriated
muscles because they don’t have any striations. They are found in the iris of the eye, uterus, and bronchi
of lungs.

29. What are cardiac muscles?

 8

The muscles present in the heart are called cardiac muscles. They are involuntary muscles
because the actions of these muscles are not under our control. Heart muscle cells are cylindrical,
branched and uninucleate. The function of these muscles is the rhythmic contraction and relaxation of
the heart.
30. Compare muscular tissues?
Skeletal Smooth Cardiac
Voluntary Involuntary Involuntary
Multinucleate Uninucleate Uninucleate
Long and Long and pointed Cylindrical
Cylindrical (spindle shaped)
Unbranched Unbranched Branched
Striated Unstriated striated
Nucleus – Nucleus- Central Nucleus - Central
Peripheral
31. Explain nervous tissue.
The nervous tissue is made up of specialized cells called the neurons or nerve cells.
These tissues are specialized for being stimulated and then transmitting the stimulus very rapidly
from one place to another place in the body. The brain, spinal cord, and nerves are composed of
nervous tissue.
Structure of a neuron
A neuron consists of a cell body with a nucleus and a cytoplasm. From the cell body
long, thin hairs like parts are arising. The single long part of a neuron is called the axon and
short, branched parts are called the dendrons. Dendron again has branches called dendrites and
axon has branches called axonites. An individual nerve cell may be up to one meter long. Many
nerve fibres bound together by connective tissue make up a nerve. Dendrites conduct impulses to
the cell body and axons conduct impulses away from the cell body. Some of the axons are
covered by myelin sheath. Such nerve fibres are called myelinated nerve fibres. Constrictions
in the myelin sheath called Nodes of Ranvier. Myelinated nerve fibers transmit impulses faster
than non myelinted.
Each axon ends in a knob like structure called synaptic knob (nerve endings). The
space between the axon of one neuron and the dendrites of adjacent neuron is called synaptic
cleft (synapse). A neurotransmitter named acetyl choline (Ach) is secreted to the synaptic cleft
which is responsible for the transmission of impulses.
 9

Functions: Neurons are responsible for the transmission of impulses through out the body.
Nerve impulses allow us to move when we want to do.
The functional combination of nerve and muscle tissue enables animals to move rapidly in
response to stimuli.

32. Name the following

Tissue which is responsible for movement in our body - Muscular tissue
Proteins present in muscles – contractile protein
Substance which makes the cork impervious to gases and water – Suberin
Tissues which conduct food and water from one part of the plant to other -Vascular tissues
Tissues form the inner lining of the mouth – simple squamous epithelial tissue.
Tissue that connects muscle to bones in humans – Tendon
Tissue that transport food in plants – Phloem
Tissue that stores fat – Adipose tissue
Connective tissue with a fluid matrix – Blood
Tissues present in brain – nervous tissue
Tissue makes up the husk of the coconut – sclerenchyma
Tissues conduct water and nutrients from soil to different parts of plants – Xylem