Meristematic tissue is found in root tips as this is where roots are growing and where dividing
cells are produced. Figure 5.5 shows micrograph images of a root tip.
Figure 5.5: Image shows meristematic tissue in a root tip as observed under an electron microscope.
Permanent tissues DUMMY
The meristematic tissues give rise to cells that perform a specific function. Once cells develop
to perform this particular function, they lose their ability to divide. The process of developing
a particular structure suited to a specific function is known ascellular differentiation. We
will examine two types of permanent tissue:
1.Simple permanent tissues
- Epidermis
- Parenchyma
- Collenchyma
- Sclerenchyma
2.Complex permanent tissues - xylem vessels (made up of tracheids and vessels)
- phloem vessels (made up of sieve tubes and companion cells)
Epidermis tissue DUMMY
The epidermis is a single layer of cells that covers plants’ leaves, flowers, roots and stems.
It is the outermost cell layer of the plant body and plays a protective role in the plant. The
function of key structural features are listed in Table 5.3.
Chapter 5. Plant and animal tissues 119