Plant tissues

• Tissue types in plants

  Epidermal tissue

  Palisade mesophyll

  Spongy mesophyll

  Xylem and phloem

  Meristem tissue
• Parts of a plant

  Waxy cuticle

  Upper epidermis

  Palisade mesophyll

  Spongy mesophyll

  Xylem

  Phloem

  Lower epidermis

  Guard cells

  Stomata

  
• Waxy cuticle

  Protects the leaf

  Prevents excess water loss
• Upper epidermis

  The outermost layer of the leaf

  Transparent = allows sunlight to pass through, vital for photosynthesis
• Palisade mesophyll

  Consists of lots of tightly packed cells filled with chloroplasts for maximum light absorption for photosynthesis
• Spongey mesophyll

  Cells are arranged more loosely

  Facilitates the exchange of gasses
• Lower epidermis

  Mainly contains stomata and guard cells that regulate gas exchange and water loss from the leaf
• Stomata

  Holes primarily found on the lower epidermis

  Allow for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide

  Open in the day - facilitate photosynthesis

  Close at night - conserve water
• Guard cells

  Cells found on either side of the stomata

  Change shape to open or close the stomata

  Regulate water and gas exchange by reacting to environmental conditions
• Xylem

  Transports water and minerals from the roots upwards through the plant
• Phloem

  Transports sugars and other nutrients from the leaves to the rest of the plant