Tab 1
What is Tissue
A tissue is a collection of cells that are almost the same in shape and size, and they
work together to do one main job. Just like bricks join together to make a wall, cells join
together to make a tissue, which then helps the body or plant do something important,
like moving, carrying food, or protecting itself.
A tissue is an organized group of structurally similar cells, along with their intercellular
substance, that work together to perform a specific function in an organism. In
multicellular organisms, tissues form the intermediate level of organization between cells
and organs, and they are classified into four main types in animals (epithelial,
connective, muscular, and nervous) and into meristematic and permanent tissues in
plants.
Tissues in multicellular organisms are differentiated to perform a specific function at a
given location. a process known as division of labor. Nerve cells. For example, make up
the neurological tissue that aids in message transmission, whereas miscular cells make
up the muscle tissue and muscle tissue is a type of tissue that aids in movement.
Basic Layout → Cell < Tissue < Organ < Organ System < Organism
Are Plants and Animals Made of Same Types of Tissues?
No, plants and animals are not made of the same types of tissues.
Plant tissues are mainly of two types – meristematic tissues (which help in growth) and
permanent tissues (which perform specific functions like transport, storage, and
support). Plants do not have tissues for movement like muscles in animals, because
they are generally fixed in one place.
Animals have four main types of tissues – epithelial, connective, muscular, and nervous.
These tissues help in protection, movement, transport of materials, and control of body
activities.
While both plants and animals have tissues made of cells, their structure and functions
differ according to their needs.
Feature / Type Plant Tissues Animal Tissues
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Main Categories Meristematic and Permanent Epithelial, Connective, Muscular,
Nervous
Function Growth, transport of water and Protection, movement, transport of
food, storage, support materials, control and coordination
Movement Mostly fixed in one place, no Capable of movement due to muscles
Ability muscle tissues
Transport Xylem and Phloem Blood and lymph
System
Growth Can grow throughout life (due Limited growth after maturity
to meristems)
Cell Wall Present (made of cellulose) Absent
Cell Shape Usually fixed and rectangular Usually varied and irregular
Energy Lower, as plants are Higher, as animals are heterotrophic
Requirement autotrophic and active
Nervous System Absent Present, for quick coordination
Protective Layer Epidermis with cuticle Skin and epithelial layers
Plant Tissues > Meristematic Tissue and Permanent Tissue
Feature Meristematic Tissue Permanent Tissue
Capacity to Cells can actively divide throughout Cells have lost the ability to divide
Divide life
Cell Size & Small, isodiametric (same length, Larger, shape varies depending on
Shape width, and height) type and function
Vacuoles Usually absent (vacuoles store Present in living cells (stores food,
food/waste; dividing cells don’t water, and waste)
store much)
Intercellular Absent (cells are tightly packed for Present (allows movement of
Spaces rapid growth) substances between cells)
Cell Wall Thin (thin walls allow faster Thin or thick (thick walls give strength
transport of materials during cell and support)
division)
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Nucleus Large and prominent (to control Normal-sized nucleus
active cell division)
Function Growth of plant (by increasing cell Performs specific functions like
number) storage, photosynthesis, transport, or
support
Metabolic Very high (needs energy for Low (only enough for normal
Activity continuous division) function)
Examples Apical meristem (root/shoot tips), Parenchyma, collenchyma,
lateral meristem (cambium) sclerenchyma, xylem, phloem
Meristematic Tissue
Meristematic tissue in plants is like a group of constantly dividing cells that allow plants
to grow. These cells are found in specific areas, like the tips of roots and shoots, and
they continuously produce new cells, enabling the plant to get taller and wider. Think of
them as the plant's "growth factories".
Meristematic tissues also play a role in healing wounds in plants. When a plant is
injured, nearby meristematic cells divide rapidly to form new cells that cover and repair
the damaged area.
Type of Definition Function Location Example Extra Notes
Meristematic
Tissue
Apical Found at Causes Root tips, shoot Root apical Produces new
Meristem tips of roots primary tips, tips of young meristem, cells that later
and shoots growth leaves shoot become
(increase in apical permanent
length) meristem tissues, helping
plants grow taller
and explore
more light/water
Intercalary Found Regrowth Base of leaves Intercalary Allows
Meristem between of parts, (grasses), meristem in lawns/pastures
mature quick length nodes/internodes grass to regrow after
tissues (at increase cutting
base of
leaves or
internodes)
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Lateral Found along Causes Cambium (layer of Vascular Responsible for
Meristem sides of secondary dividing cells cambium, woody stems
stems and growth between xylem & cork getting thicker
roots (increase in phloem that makes cambium each year
thickness) new vascular
tissue), cork
cambium (makes
protective bark)
Permanent Tissue
⦁ The permanent tissues are composed of cells which have lost their capacity to
divide.
⦁ Cells have a definite shape, size, and cell wall thickness.
⦁ Permanent tissue cells may be living or dead, depending on their function.
⦁ They originate from meristematic tissue after the process of cell division and
differentiation.
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⦁ Cell differentiation means developing cells change from simple to more
complex structures to perform specific functions.
⦁ Permanent tissues are specialized for particular functions such as storage,
transport, photosynthesis, or support.
⦁ Based on structure and composition, permanent tissues are of two main
types:
⦁ Simple Permanent Tissues – made of only one type of cell (e.g.,
parenchyma, collenchyma, sclerenchyma).
⦁ Complex Permanent Tissues – made of more than one type of cell
working together (e.g., xylem and phloem).
⦁ They may also form protective tissues like epidermis and cork, which cover and
protect plant surfaces.
Permanent Tissue > Simple Permanent Tissue
A type of permanent tissue made up of only one kind of cell. All cells look alike, have the
same structure, and work together to do a single main function, such as storage,
support, or photosynthesis.
Parenchyma
A soft plant tissue made of living cells with thin cell walls and large spaces inside the
cell. It stores food and water, fills empty spaces in the plant, and in some cases (like in
green stems and leaves) also helps in photosynthesis.
⦁ Parenchyma tissues support plants and store food in roots, stems, and
sometimes leaves.
⦁ They form the basic packing tissue in plants, filling spaces between other
tissues.
⦁ The cells are simple and not highly specialized, but they can adapt to different
functions.
⦁ Cells are living with thin cell walls made of cellulose.
⦁ They are loosely packed with large intercellular spaces, allowing movement
of gases and water.
⦁ Parenchyma can change shape and function if needed, making them important
for plant repair and regeneration.
Types of Parenchyma:
⦁ Chlorenchyma: Parenchyma cells that contain chlorophyll and help in
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photosynthesis (found in green parts of the plant).
⦁ Aerenchyma: Parenchyma cells with large air spaces that help in floating and
gas exchange (common in aquatic plants like water hyacinth).
Collenchyma
A plant tissue made of living cells with unevenly thickened cell walls. It provides flexibility
and support to young stems, petioles (leaf stalks), and the edges of leaves, allowing
them to bend without breaking.
Collenchyma cells are elongated and usually arranged in rows.
⦁ The cell walls are thickened mainly at the corners with cellulose and pectin,
which give both strength and flexibility.
⦁ They are living cells with a small vacuole and can remain active for a long time.
⦁ They occur just beneath the epidermis in stems and leaves.
⦁ These tissues do not have large intercellular spaces; the cells are tightly
packed.
⦁ Collenchyma allows growth and movement in young parts without causing
damage, making them ideal for plants that sway in the wind.
⦁ Example: Found in sunflower stems, celery stalks, and the edges of leaves.
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Sclerenchyma
A plant tissue made of dead cells with very thick, hard cell walls (often with lignin). It
provides maximum strength and stiffness to parts of the plant like the husk of coconut,
seed coats, and the veins of leaves.
⦁ Sclerenchyma cells are long, narrow, and pointed at the ends.
⦁ Their cell walls are heavily thickened with lignin (a strong, waterproof
substance) which makes them hard and rigid.
⦁ These cells are dead at maturity, meaning they do not take part in metabolic
activities.
⦁ They have no intercellular spaces — cells are tightly packed for maximum
strength.
⦁ Found in stems, veins of leaves, seed coverings, and the hard shells of nuts.
Permanent Tissue > Complex Permanent Tissue
A type of permanent tissue made up of more than one kind of cell. The different cells
have different structures and functions, but they work together as a unit to perform a
single main function, such as transport of water, minerals, or food in plants.
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Xylem
Xylem is a complex permanent tissue in plants that transports water and dissolved
minerals from roots to other parts of the plant. It also provides mechanical support to the
plant body.
⦁ Xylem is also known as wood and is both a vascular tissue (for transport) and
a mechanical tissue (for support).
⦁ It is made of thick-walled cells arranged in the form of tubular passages to
allow easy movement of water and minerals.
⦁ Xylem is a complex tissue, meaning it contains more than one type of cell,
working together for the same function.
⦁ It consists of four main types of cells (called xylem elements).
⦁ Tracheids – Long, narrow, tube-like dead cells with thick walls that help
in water transport and support.
⦁ Vessels – Wide, tube-like dead cells placed end to end for efficient water
transport.
⦁ Xylem Parenchyma – Living cells that store food and help in sideways
transport of water.
⦁ Xylem Fibres (Xylem Sclerenchyma) – Dead cells that provide strength
and stiffness.
⦁ In mature plants, most of the xylem is made of dead cells, making it strong and
durable.
⦁ Water movement in xylem is one-way — from roots to stems and leaves.
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Phloem
Phloem is a complex permanent tissue in plants that transports food (mainly sugars
made during photosynthesis) from leaves to other parts of the plant. This transport can
occur in both upward and downward directions.
⦁ Unlike xylem, most of the phloem elements are living.
⦁ It consists of four main types of elements:
⦁ Sieve Tubes – Long tube-like living cells placed end to end. The end
walls have small pores and are called sieve plates. They allow food to
pass between cells.
⦁ Companion Cells – Living cells found alongside sieve tubes. They
control the activities of sieve tubes and help in moving food using energy.
⦁ Phloem Parenchyma – Living cells that store food and help in sideways
transport of food materials.
⦁ Phloem Fibres – Dead cells with thick walls that provide strength to the
phloem.
⦁ Phloem transports food in both directions — from leaves to roots, stems,
flowers, and fruits (and also from storage organs back to growing parts).
⦁ This movement requires energy, unlike xylem transport which happens mainly
by physical forces.
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Feature Xylem Phloem
Material Water and minerals Food (mainly sugars)
Transported
Direction of Upward (roots → leaves) Upward and downward (leaves ↔ all
Conduction parts)
Living or Dead Mostly dead cells (except xylem Mostly living cells (except phloem
Cells parenchyma) fibres)
Main Tracheids, Vessels, Xylem Sieve Tubes, Companion Cells,
Components Parenchyma, Xylem Fibres Phloem Parenchyma, Phloem Fibres
Additional Provides mechanical support Mainly transport; fibres give some
Function support
Cell Wall Thick cell walls Thin cell walls
Thickness
Tube Structure Continuous tubes without end Sieve tubes with sieve plates at their
walls in vessels for easy water ends
flow
Energy No energy needed – movement Needs energy (ATP) for movement
Requirement by physical forces like of food
transpiration pull
Position in Found deep inside (towards Found towards the outer side
Stem/Root centre)
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Living and Dead Living: Xylem parenchyma; Dead: Living: Sieve tubes, companion cells,
Elements Tracheids, vessels, fibres phloem parenchyma; Dead: Phloem
fibres
Feature Simple Permanent Tissue (SPT) Complex Permanent Tissue (CPT)
Cell Type Made of only one type of cell Made of more than one type of cell
Structure All cells look alike and have the Different types of cells with different
same structure shapes and structures
Function All cells do the same function like Different types of cells work together for a
storage, support, or photosynthesis common function like transport of food or
water
Examples Parenchyma, Collenchyma, Xylem, Phloem
Sclerenchyma
Tab 3
Epidermis
⦁ The epidermis protects plants from injury, pathogens, and water loss.
⦁ In desert plants (xerophytes), the thick cuticle of the epidermis reduces water
loss by lowering the rate of transpiration.
⦁ The epidermis in certain areas also allows for gas exchange during respiration
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and photosynthesis.
⦁ In roots, epidermal cells increase the surface area, aiding in better absor tion of
water and nutrients.
Stomata
Stomata are small pores present in the epidermis of leaves (and sometimes stems),
surrounded by two kidney-shaped guard cells.
Functions: Allow exchange of gase (take carbon dioxide in from air for photosynthesis,
and release oxygen in air as byproduct) between the plant and the atmosphere.
Help in transpiration (the loss of water vapour from plant surfaces) and keep
the plant cool.
Stomata are like the doorways in a building, and the guard cells are the doorkeepers
deciding when to open or close them.
Tab 2
Animal Tissue
Animal tissues are groups of cells in animals that have a similar structure and work
together to perform specific functions.
They are classified into four main types: Epithelial Tissue, Connective Tissue, Muscular
Tissue, and Nervous Tissue.
1. Epithelial Tissue
⦁ Definition: Covers the body surface, lines organs and cavities, and protects
underlying tissues.
⦁ Features:
⦁ Cells are tightly packed with little or no intercellular space.
⦁ Lies on a basement membrane.
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⦁ Controls the exchange of materials between body and environment.
⦁ Types
⦁ Squamous Epithelium – Thin, flat cells; for lining (e.g., alveoli, blood
vessels).
⦁ Stratified Squamous Epithelium – Many layers; protects against wear and
tear (e.g., skin).
⦁ Cuboidal Epithelium – Cube-shaped cells; for secretion and absorption
(e.g., kidney tubules).
⦁ Columnar Epithelium – Tall, pillar-like cells; for absorption/secretion (e.g.,
intestine lining).
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⦁ Ciliated Columnar Epithelium – Columnar cells with cilia; move mucus or
materials (e.g., respiratory tract).
⦁ Glandular Epithelium – Specialized for secretion (e.g., glands).
2. Connective Tissue
⦁ Definition: Connects, supports, protects, and binds other tissues.
⦁ Features:
⦁ Cells are loosely packed in an intercellular matrix (jelly-like, fluid, rigid, or
fibrous).
⦁ Types
⦁ Blood – Fluid matrix (plasma) with RBCs, WBCs, platelets; transports
gases, nutrients, and wastes.
⦁ Bone – Hard matrix with calcium and phosphorus; supports body and
protects organs.
⦁ Ligaments – Connect bones to bones; elastic and strong.
⦁ Tendons – Connect muscles to bones; strong but less flexible.
⦁ Cartilage – Smoothens joints; present in ear, nose, trachea.
⦁ Areolar Tissue – Fills space between organs, supports, and repairs
tissues.
⦁ Adipose Tissue – Stores fat, insulates the body.
Feature Striated (Skeletal) Smooth (Unstriated) Muscle Cardiac Muscle
Muscle
Control Voluntary – moves Involuntary – moves Involuntary – moves
when we want automatically automatically
Location Attached to bones Walls of internal organs Heart walls
(limbs, face, etc.) (stomach, intestines, blood
vessels)
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Cell Shape Long, cylindrical, Long, spindle-shaped, pointed Cylindrical, branched
unbranched ends
Nuclei Many nuclei One nucleus (uninucleate) One nucleus
(multinucleate) (uninucleate)
Striations Present (light and dark Absent Present (faint)
bands)
Function Body movement, Movement of internal organs Rhythmic pumping of
posture (food in gut, blood flow) blood
Fatigue Gets tired quickly Works for long without tiring Works continuously
without tiring
Special Powerful and fast Slow and sustained contraction Rhythmic, automatic
Feature contraction contraction
3. Muscular Tissue
⦁ Definition: Made of elongated muscle fibres; responsible for movement.
⦁ Feature:
⦁ Contains contractile proteins that cause contraction and relaxation.
⦁ Types:
⦁ Striated (Skeletal) Muscles – Voluntary, cylindrical, multi-nucleated, with
striations; move limbs.
⦁ Smooth (Unstriated) Muscles – Involuntary, spindle-shaped, single
nucleus; found in walls of internal organs.
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⦁ Cardiac Muscles – Involuntary, branched, single nucleus, rhythmic
contraction; found in the heart.
4. Nervous Tissue
⦁ Definition: Specialized tissue that receives, transmits, and processes information.
⦁ Main Unit: Neuron (nerve cell) – consists of cell body, dendrites, and axon.
⦁ Functions:
⦁ Detects stimuli and sends nerve impulses.
⦁ Coordinates between body parts.
⦁ Location: Brain, spinal cord, nerves.
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⦁
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