1. What is a Tissue?
Definition
A tissue is a group of similar cells that work together to perform a specific function.
Why are tissues important?
Increase efficiency through division of labour.
Different groups of cells perform different functions.
Help multicellular organisms carry out complex life processes.
Levels of Organisation
Cell → Tissue → Organ → Organ System → Organism
Example:
Muscle cells → Muscle tissue → Heart → Circulatory system → Human body
2. Plant Tissues
Plant tissues are of two main types:
A. Meristematic Tissue
B. Permanent Tissue
3. Meristematic Tissue
Definition
Tissues whose cells divide continuously and help in plant growth.
Characteristics
Cells divide actively.
Thin cell walls.
Dense cytoplasm.
Large nucleus.
Vacuoles absent or very small.
No intercellular spaces.
Types of Meristematic Tissue
Type Location Function
Apical Meristem Root and shoot tips Increase length of plant
Intercalary Base of Increase length of
Meristem leaves/internodes internodes
Lateral Meristem Sides of stem and roots Increase girth/thickness
Remember
Apical → Length
Lateral → Girth
4. Permanent Tissue
Definition
Cells formed from meristematic tissues that lose the power of division and become
specialised.
Characteristics
Mature cells.
Definite shape and size.
Vacuoles present.
Intercellular spaces may be present.
Permanent tissues are of two types:
1. Simple Permanent Tissue
2. Complex Permanent Tissue
5. Simple Permanent Tissues
Made up of only one type of cells.
Types:
Parenchyma
Collenchyma
Sclerenchyma
A. Parenchyma
Characteristics
Living cells.
Thin cell walls.
Large vacuoles.
Intercellular spaces present.
Functions
Storage of food.
Storage of water.
Photosynthesis (when chloroplasts are present).
Special Forms
Chlorenchyma
Parenchyma containing chlorophyll.
Function: Photosynthesis.
Aerenchyma
Parenchyma with large air spaces.
Function: Helps aquatic plants float.
B. Collenchyma
Characteristics
Living cells.
Uneven thickening at corners.
Little intercellular space.
Functions
Provides flexibility.
Gives mechanical support.
Found in
Leaf stalks
Young stems
Example
Allows leaves to bend without breaking.
C. Sclerenchyma
Characteristics
Dead cells.
Thick lignified walls.
No protoplasm.
Functions
Mechanical strength.
Rigidity.
Examples
Coconut husk
Hard seed coats
Difference Between Parenchyma,
Collenchyma and Sclerenchyma
Feature Parenchyma Collenchyma Sclerenchyma
Nature Living Living Dead
Cell Wall Thin Unevenly thickened Very thick
Intercellular Space Present Little Absent
Function Storage Flexibility Strength
6. Complex Permanent Tissue
Made up of more than one type of cell.
Types
1. Xylem
2. Phloem
A. Xylem
Function
Transports water and minerals from roots to all parts of the plant.
Components
Tracheids
Vessels
Xylem fibres
Xylem parenchyma
Important Point
Most xylem cells are dead.
B. Phloem
Function
Transports food from leaves to other parts of the plant.
Components
Sieve tubes
Companion cells
Phloem parenchyma
Phloem fibres
Important Point
Most phloem cells are living.
Difference Between Xylem and
Phloem
Xylem Phloem
Transports water and minerals Transports food
Mostly dead cells Mostly living cells
Upward movement mainly Bidirectional movement
7. Protective Tissues
Epidermis
Characteristics
Outermost layer of plant body.
Covered by cuticle.
Functions
Protection.
Prevents water loss.
Guards against infection.
Stomata
Tiny pores in leaves.
Functions
Exchange of gases.
Transpiration.
Cork
Characteristics
Dead cells.
Thick walls.
Impermeable to water and gases.
Function
Protects older stems and roots.
8. Tissue Systems in Plants
Dermal Tissue System
Epidermis and protective structures.
Ground Tissue System
Parenchyma
Collenchyma
Sclerenchyma
Vascular Tissue System
Xylem
Phloem
9. Animal Tissues
Animal tissues are of four types:
1. Epithelial Tissue
2. Connective Tissue
3. Muscular Tissue
4. Nervous Tissue
10. Epithelial Tissue
Characteristics
Covers body surfaces.
Lines internal organs.
Cells closely packed.
Functions
Protection
Absorption
Secretion
Exchange of materials
Types of Epithelial Tissue
A. Squamous Epithelium
Thin and flat cells.
Found in lungs and blood vessels.
Function: Diffusion.
B. Cuboidal Epithelium
Cube-shaped cells.
Found in kidney tubules.
Function: Absorption and secretion.
C. Columnar Epithelium
Tall pillar-like cells.
Found in intestine.
Function: Absorption and secretion.
D. Ciliated Epithelium
Has cilia.
Found in:
Respiratory tract
Oviduct
Function: Movement of materials.
E. Glandular Epithelium
Modified epithelial cells.
Function: Secretion of enzymes, hormones, mucus, etc.
11. Connective Tissue
Function
Connects, supports and binds tissues and organs.
Types of Connective Tissue
A. Areolar Tissue
Found between organs.
Functions
Fills spaces.
Supports organs.
B. Adipose Tissue
Stores fat.
Functions
Energy storage.
Insulation.
Protection.
C. Tendons
Connect muscle to bone.
Characteristics:
Strong
Less flexible
D. Ligaments
Connect bone to bone.
Characteristics:
Strong
Elastic
Difference Between Tendons and Ligaments
Tendon Ligament
Muscle to bone Bone to bone
Less elastic More elastic
E. Cartilage
Found in:
Nose
Ear
Trachea
Function: Flexibility and support.
F. Bone
Functions
Support
Protection
Movement
Mineral storage
G. Blood
A fluid connective tissue.
Components
RBCs
WBCs
Platelets
Plasma
Functions
Transport of gases
Defence
Clotting
12. Muscular Tissue
Function
Produces movement.
Types of Muscles
A. Striated Muscles
Voluntary
Attached to bones
Striped appearance
B. Smooth Muscles
Involuntary
Found in internal organs
C. Cardiac Muscles
Involuntary
Found only in heart
Branched fibres
Difference Among Muscles
Feature Striated Smooth Cardiac
Control Voluntary Involuntary Involuntary
Stripes Present Absent Present
Location Bones Internal organs Heart
13. Nervous Tissue
Components
Neurons (nerve cells)
Functions
Receive stimuli.
Transmit impulses.
Control and coordinate body activities.
Parts of Neuron
Cell body
Dendrites
Axon
Definitions
1. Tissue – Group of similar cells performing a specific function.
2. Meristematic tissue – Actively dividing tissue.
3. Permanent tissue – Mature tissue that has lost the power of division.
4. Xylem – Conducts water and minerals.
5. Phloem – Conducts food.
6. Tendon – Connects muscle to bone.
7. Ligament – Connects bone to bone.
8. Neuron – Structural and functional unit of nervous tissue.