Plant Tissue and its Classification    

The living organisms are either unicellular like Amoeba or multicellular like human beings. In unicellular organisms all the life processes are carried out within a single cell. In multicellular organisms, because of increase in body size, it is difficult for each cell to efficiently cope with the vast variety of the physiological needs of the organisms, so cells differentiate into specific tissues to perform specific functions. Like in human beings nerve cells carry messages, blood flows to transport oxygen, food, hormones and waste materials. In plants, vascular tissues conduct food, water and minerals from one part of the plant to other part. So multicellular organism perform division of labour. Division of labour has been made possible by specialization where cells develop to have a definite shape, size, structure and function.

1.0Tissue

A group of cells that are similar in structure and work together to achieve a particular function is called tissue. The term tissue was coined by Bichat. The study of internal structure of any part of an organism with the help of section cutting is called anatomy. The study of tissue with the help of microscope is called histology.

Importance of Tissues

(i) Workload of individual cell decreases. Tissues become organized to form organs and organs into organ systems. Formation of tissues has brought about division of labour in multicellular organisms.

(ii) Multicellular organisms have higher survival due to improved body organization and higher efficiency of functions.

2.0Plant Tissue

Plants are stationary so they require more of supportive tissue for obtaining structural strength. Most of these tissues are dead and hence they provide more mechanical strength and they require less energy for their maintenance. The growth of plants is limited to certain regions. In these certain regions, growing tissues are present, which have capacity to divide throughout life.

Classification of Plant Tissues

Plant tissues can be classified into two groups on the basis of their dividing capacity, meristematic tissue and permanent tissue.

3.0Also Read