Learn: Plant Tissues & cells

Meristematic tissue

Apical, intercalary, and lateral cells. Consists of undifferentiated cells that actively divide.

Apical cells (location)

Tips of roots and shoots.

Apical cells (function)

Increase the length of roots and shoots (primary growth).

Intercalary cells (location)

Base of leaves

Intercalary cells (function)

Increase the length of stems and leaves and allow regrowth.

Lateral cells (location)

Sides of stems and roots.

Lateral cells (function)

Increase the thickness or girth of the plant.

Dermal tissue - Consists of what cells and structures?

Epidermal cells and the cuticle.

Epidermal cells (location)

Outermost layer of the plant.

Epidermal cells (function)

Protect the plant and help prevent water loss.

Epidermal cells (characteristics)

Tightly packed cells that form a protective covering.

Cuticle (location)

Outer surface of the epidermis on leaves and young stems.

Cuticle (function)

Reduces water loss and protects the plant.

Cuticle (characteristics)

Waxy, waterproof, transparent covering; NOT made of cells.

Ground tissue - Consists of what cells?

Parenchyma, collenchyma, and sclerenchyma cells.

Parenchyma cells (location)

Throughout plant common -> leaves + fruit + storage + organs

Parenchyma cells (function)

Photosynthesis, food storage, and gas exchange.

Parenchyma cells (characteristics)

Thin cell walls; living cells, often loosely packed.

Collenchyma cells (location)

Young stems + leaf stalks + leaf veins.

Collenchyma cells (function)

Provide flexible support.

Collenchyma cells (characteristics)

Living cells with unevenly thickened cell walls.

Sclerenchyma cells (location)

Woody stems + bark + seed coats + fruit pits

Sclerenchyma cells (function)

Provide rigid support and protection.

Sclerenchyma cells (characteristics)

Very thick, hardened cell walls; usually dead at maturity.

Vascular tissue - Consists of what cells?

Xylem and phloem cells.

Xylem (location)

Vascular bundles throughout roots, stems, and leaves.

Xylem (function)

Transports water + dissolved minerals upward from the roots.

Xylem (characteristics)

Mostly dead, hollow cells with thickened walls.

Phloem (location)

Vascular bundles throughout roots, stems, and leaves.

Phloem (function)

Transports sugars + dissolved food -> both up and down plant

Phloem (characteristics)

Living cells arranged in sieve tubes.