Plant Tissue
Last Updated: April 29, 2019
Definition - What does Plant Tissue mean?
Plants are made up of tissue, just like any other living organism. Also like other living organisms, plants have several different types of tissues. In humans, your skin is a different type of tissue than muscles, and organ tissue is different from ligament tissue. Plants follow the same rule.
Plant tissue is a term applied to the three main types of cellular structures found within plants – dermal, ground, and vascular. Each type of plant tissue has different characteristics, and serves a different function in plant growth and health.
MaximumYield explains Plant Tissue
- Dermal Tissue: Also called epidermal tissue, this is the outer covering of the plant’s body. It’s found on the exterior of plant roots, plant leaves, and the stem or stalk of the plant, as well. The primary purpose of this tissue is to prevent parasites and invaders from reaching the vascular tissues within the plant, as well as to prevent moisture loss.
- Ground Tissue: Ground tissue can also be found in the leaves, roots and stem of the plant. It’s formed by parenchyma, collenchyma, and sclerenchyma cells, and makes up the bulk of the plant’s interior under the dermal/epidermal layer of tissue. Ground tissue is also often called permanent tissue.
- Vascular Tissue: Vascular tissue is found throughout the plant’s body, including the roots, stem and leaves. This tissue’s role is to facilitate the movement of water and nutrients throughout the plant, as well as the storage of nutrients for future needs.
- Meristematic: While not a specific plant tissue system, meristematic tissues are of note for one thing – these are tissues where growth is significant and ongoing. You’ll find this type of tissue primarily at the tips of stems, branches, and roots.
