Lecture-Style Detailed Notes: Structure and Functions of Plant Cell and Tissues
UNIT: Structure and Functions of Plant Cell and Tissues
ᵀ. Cell Wall
Definition: The plant cell wall is a non-living, rigid structure located outside the plasma membrane,
primarily responsible for maintaining the shape and structural integrity of plant cells.
References: - Esau (2006), Evert R.F. "Esau's Plant Anatomy" - Mauseth, J.D. (1988) "Plant Anatomy"
Structure: 1. Middle Lamella - Composed primarily of calcium and magnesium pectates. - Acts as a
cementing layer between adjacent cells.
1. Primary Cell Wall
2. Laid down during cell growth.
3. Composed of cellulose microfibrils embedded in a matrix of hemicellulose and pectin.
4. Thin, flexible, and extensible.
5. Secondary Cell Wall
6. Deposited after cell enlargement ceases.
7. Rich in cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin.
8. Rigid and impermeable.
Chemical Nature: - Cellulose: Linear polymer of β-D-glucose. - Hemicellulose: Short, branched
polysaccharides. - Pectins: Complex polysaccharides; form hydrated gels. - Lignin: Phenolic polymer;
provides rigidity and water resistance. - Cutin/Suberin/Wax: Hydrophobic substances found in
epidermal or cork cells.
Functions: - Structural support - Protection against mechanical damage and pathogens - Regulation of
cell expansion - Intercellular communication via plasmodesmata
①. Meristematic Tissues
Definition: Meristematic tissues are composed of undifferentiated, actively dividing cells that
contribute to plant growth.
References: - Evert (2006), Esau - Bhojwani & Bhatnagar (2011)
Characteristics: - Thin primary cell walls - Dense cytoplasm - Prominent nucleus - Small vacuoles or
absent - High metabolic activity
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Types of Meristems: 1. Apical Meristem: Found at tips of roots and shoots. - Shoot Apical Meristem
(SAM): Gives rise to leaves, flowers, and stem tissues. - Root Apical Meristem (RAM): Lies beneath root
cap; forms root tissues.
1. Intercalary Meristem: Located at internodes; found in grasses.
2. Lateral Meristem: Vascular cambium and cork cambium; contribute to secondary growth.
Tunica-Corpus Organization (Shoot): - Tunica: Outer layers; undergo anticlinal division. - Corpus:
Inner layers; undergo periclinal and anticlinal divisions.
②. Permanent Tissues
Definition: Permanent tissues arise from meristems and become functionally specialized.
Types:
A. Simple Permanent Tissues: 1. Parenchyma - Thin-walled, isodiametric cells. - Function: storage,
photosynthesis, wound healing. - Special forms: aerenchyma, chlorenchyma.
1. Collenchyma
2. Elongated living cells with thickened corners.
3. Function: mechanical support with flexibility.
4. Found under the epidermis in dicot stems.
5. Sclerenchyma
6. Dead at maturity; thick, lignified secondary walls.
7. Types:
◦ Fibers: Long, slender; support.
◦ Sclereids: Short, irregular; hard seed coats.
B. Complex Permanent Tissues: 1. Xylem (Water conduction) - Tracheids, vessel elements (dead) -
Xylem parenchyma (living) - Xylem fibers (dead)
1. Phloem (Food conduction)
2. Sieve tube elements, companion cells (living)
3. Phloem parenchyma (living)
4. Phloem fibers (dead)
③. Mechanical Tissues
Function: Provide mechanical strength and support to the plant body.
Types: 1. Collenchyma: - Support in young stems, petioles. - Plastic support allows growth.
1. Sclerenchyma:
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2. Rigid support; found in mature regions.
3. Lignified cell walls resist bending and compression.
④. Secretory Tissues
Definition: Specialized tissues that secrete substances like resins, oils, gums, and latex.
Types:
1. Laticifers:
2. Non-articulated (Unicellular): Individual elongated cells (e.g., Euphorbia).
3. Articulated (Multicellular): Series of cells forming long tubes (e.g., Hevea).
4. Glandular Tissues:
5. External glands: Glandular trichomes, nectaries, hydathodes.
6. Internal glands: Oil ducts, resin ducts, mucilage cells.
Functions: - Protection against herbivory - Healing and defense - Pollinator attraction (nectar)
✔ Summary Table
Tissue Type Cell Type Function Example
Parenchyma Living, thin-walled Storage, photosynthesis Cortex, pith
Petiole, stem
Collenchyma Living, uneven walls Mechanical support (plastic)
corners
Flax fibers,
Sclerenchyma Dead, lignified Rigid support
nutshells
Dicot vascular
Xylem Tracheids, vessels Water and mineral transport
bundles
Sieve tubes, comp. Phloem tissues in
Phloem Translocation of food
cells stem
Meristematic
Actively dividing Growth and organ formation Shoot & root apices
Tissue
Secretion of secondary Laticifers in rubber
Secretory Tissue Specialized
metabolites tree
Note: Illustrations, micrographs, and histological sections from Evert (2006) and Mauseth (1988) should
be referred to during lectures to visualize these tissues in detail.
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