Plant Tissue Systems

Epidermis

Description: A single layer of flat cells covering the nonwoody parts of a plant

Function: Covers and protects the plant

Root hairs

Description: Hairlike extensions of epidermal cells covering root tips

Function: Help the plant absorb water

Cork

Description: Several layers of dead cells covering woody stems and roots

Function: Helps prevent water loss

Cuticle

Description: Coats the epidermis of leaves and nonwoody stems

Function: Helps protect the leaves/stem and prevents water loss

Stomata (sing. stoma)

Description: Tiny pores typically found on the surfaces of leaves

Function: Allow gases, such as carbon dioxide, oxygen and water vapor, to enter and leave the plant

Guard cells

Description: A pair of cells that borders each stoma

Function: Open and close the stoma

Vascular tissue

Carries materials such as water, minerals, and organic compounds through a plant (let plants grow much taller)

Xylem

Carries water and minerals from the roots up to the leaves. Made up of cells called tracheids and vessel elements

Petiole

A leaf attached to a stem by a stalk

Blade

The flattened portion of a leaf

Mesophyll

The ground tissue in a leaf (have many chloroplasts)