Types of Plant Tissues

Meristematic Tissue:
- Composed of undifferentiated cells.
- Responsible for growth (primary and secondary).
- Located at tips of roots and stems (apical meristems) and in lateral regions (lateral meristems).
Permanent Tissue:
- Differentiated cells that have specific functions.
- Divided into:
  - Simple Permanent Tissue: Composed of one type of cell.
    - Parenchyma: Photosynthesis, storage, and tissue repair.
    - Collenchyma: Provides support and flexibility.
    - Sclerenchyma: Offers structural support.
  - Complex Permanent Tissue: Composed of different cell types.
    - Xylem: Conducts water and minerals from roots to the rest of the plant.
    - Phloem: Transports sugars and nutrients produced by photosynthesis.

Storage: Stores starch, oils, and water.
Photosynthesis: In green parts of plants; contains chloroplasts.
Healing and Repair: Involved in wound healing and regeneration.
Transport: Facilitates the movement of nutrients and water between different tissues.
Aeration: In aquatic plants, aids in buoyancy and gas exchange.

Xylem:
- Transports water and dissolved minerals from roots to shoots.
- Composed of:
  - Tracheids: Long, narrow cells that aid water conduction.
  - Vessel Elements: Wider cells that facilitate efficient water transport.
Phloem:
- Transports organic nutrients, especially sugars, from leaves to other parts.
- Composed of:
  - Sieve Tube Elements: Form the main conduit for nutrient transport.
  - Companion Cells: Support sieve tube elements and help in loading/unloading of sugars.

Structural Support: Provides rigidity and strength to various plant parts.
Protection: Forms protective layers around seeds and nuts.
Types of Sclerenchyma Cells:
- Fibers: Long, slender cells providing tensile strength.
- Sclereids: Shorter, irregular cells contributing to hardness in seed coats and nutshells.
Lignification: Sclerenchyma cells are often lignified, making them tough and resistant to decay.

Meristematic Tissue:
- Consists of undifferentiated cells crucial for plant growth, encompassing both primary (length) and secondary (girth) growth.
- Found at the tips of roots and stems (apical meristems) as well as in lateral regions (lateral meristems).
Permanent Tissue:
- Features differentiated cells with specific roles in plant function.
- Divided into Simple and Complex Permanent Tissues.
- Simple Permanent Tissue:
  - Contains one cell type; includes:
    - Parenchyma: Engaged in photosynthesis, storage (starch, oils, water), tissue repair, nutrient transport, and aeration in aquatic plants.
    - Collenchyma: Provides support with flexibility, particularly in young growing stems and leaves.
    - Sclerenchyma: Delivers rigid support and is often lignified for enhanced toughness.
- Complex Permanent Tissue:
  - Comprises various cell types; main components include:
    - Xylem: Facilitates the movement of water and minerals from roots to leaves, consisting of:
      - Tracheids: Long, narrow cells for water conduction.
      - Vessel Elements: Wider cells enhancing efficient water transport.
    - Phloem: Distributes sugars and nutrients, made up of:
      - Sieve Tube Elements: Primary conduits for nutrient flow.
      - Companion Cells: Assist in the transportation of sugars by supporting sieve tube elements.

Storage: Stores essential compounds like starch, oils, and water.
Photosynthesis: Occurs mainly in the green parts of plants, facilitated by the presence of chloroplasts.
Healing and Repair: Actively participates in regenerating damaged tissues.
Transport: Aids in the movement of nutrients and water between various plant tissues.
Aeration: Important for buoyancy and gas exchange in aquatic plants.

Xylem:
- Essential for carrying water and minerals from roots to aerial parts of the plant, contributing to plant hydration and nutrient transport.
Phloem:
- Main responsibility is transporting organic nutrients, particularly sugars synthesized through photosynthesis, throughout the plant.

Structural Support: Offers significant rigidity and strength to various plant structures, helping maintain integrity.
Protection: Forms tough protective barriers around seeds and nuts, aiding in their survival from environmental factors.
Types of Sclerenchyma Cells:
- Fibers: Elongated cells providing tensile strength crucial for plant support.
- Sclereids: Short and irregularly shaped cells enhancing hardness in seed coats and nutshells.
Lignification: Many sclerenchyma cells undergo lignification, increasing their durability and resistance to decay.