plant tissue and organ

• What is a meristem?


  An area of unspecialized cells within a plant that can divide and differentiate into other cell types.
• What is an organ in the context of plant biology?

  A collection of tissues working together to perform a function or related functions.
• What does phloem tissue do?


  It carries products of photosynthesis, in solution, within plants.
• What is the function of xylem tissue?

  It carries water and mineral ions from the roots to all parts of the plant.
• How do plant tissues differ from animal tissues?

  Plant tissues are made up of specialized cells that perform specific functions, similar to animal tissues.
• What is epidermal tissue in plants equivalent to in animals?

  Epithelial tissue.
• What is the role of the cuticle in epidermal tissue?

  The cuticle reduces water loss, especially in plants that live in dry places.
• What are the two types of vascular tissue in plants?

  Xylem and phloem.
• What do xylem vessels transport?

  Water and minerals from roots to all parts of the plant.
• What do phloem sieve tubes transfer?


  The products of photosynthesis, mainly sucrose sugar, in solution.
• How do aphids contribute to the study of phloem composition?

  Aphids insert their mouthparts into phloem tissue, allowing researchers to collect phloem sap.
• What is meristematic tissue?


  Tissue that contains stem cells from which all other plant tissues are derived by cell differentiation.
• Where is meristematic tissue found in plants?

  At root and shoot tips, and in the cambium of vascular bundles.
• What are the characteristics of cells in meristems?

  They have thin walls, lack chloroplasts, do not have a large vacuole, and can divide by mitosis.
• How do xylem vessels form from cambium cells?

  Some cambium cells differentiate into xylem vessels, where lignin is deposited in their walls, reinforcing and waterproofing them.
• What happens to the cells of xylem vessels as they mature?

  The cells die, and their ends break down to form continuous columns with wide lumens for water transport.
• How do phloem sieve tubes develop?

  Sieve tubes lose most of their organelles, and sieve plates develop between them.
• What is the role of companion cells in phloem tissue?

  Companion cells retain their organelles and provide ATP for active loading of sugars into the sieve tubes.
• What are the main functions of plant organs?

  • Leaf: Photosynthesis
  • Root: Anchorage, absorption of mineral ions and water, storage
  • Stem: Support, transportation of water and minerals, storage of products of photosynthesis
  • Flower: Sexual reproduction
• What is parenchyma tissue in plants equivalent to in animals?

  It is equivalent to connective tissue.
• What is the function of collenchyma cells?

  They strengthen vascular bundles and outer parts of stems while allowing some flexibility.
• What is the role of sclerenchyma cells?

  Sclerenchyma cells have lignified walls that strengthen stems and leaf midribs.
• What are the functions of roots and flowers in plants?

  • Roots: Anchorage, absorption of mineral ions and water, storage of carbohydrates
  • Flowers: Sexual reproduction, hold leaves up for sunlight exposure, transportation of water and minerals
• How does the function of plant vascular tissue differ from that of animal vascular tissue?

  Plant vascular tissue transports water and nutrients, while animal vascular tissue primarily transports blood and gases.
• Which plant tissues have lignin in their cell walls?

  Xylem vessels and sclerenchyma cells.