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1.

Describe the structure and function of the five major types of cells found in plant
tissue.
Where in the plant is each type of cell found?
Five major types of cells found in the plant tissue are
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
I.

Xylem Tissue
Phloem Tissue
Parenchyma Tissue
Collenchyma Tissue
Sclerenchyma Tissue

Xylem Tissue is the specialised tissue of vascular plants, the vessels consist of dead cells.
They have a thick, strengthened cellulose cell wall with a hollow lumen. They have a
Tubular shape with no cross walls which allows a continuous column of water +
facilitates more rapid transport within the xylem vessels. Xylem Tissue transports water
and nutrients from the plantsoil interface to stems and leaves, and provides mechanical
support and storage. The waterconducting function of xylem is one of the major
distinguishing features of vascular plants

II.

Phloem Tissue
Elongated, tubular shape with thin walled sieve tubes. The sieve tubes have pores at
each end in the cross walls and microtubules that extend between sieve elements
allowing longitudinal flow of materials.
Phloem is the vascular tissue responsible for the transport of sugars from source tissues
(photosynthetic leaf cells) to sink tissues (non-photosynthetic root cells or developing
flowers). Other molecules such as proteins and mRNAs are also transported throughout

III.

the plant via phloem.


Parenchyma Tissue Aka packing tissue made up of living cells. They are roughly
spherical and elongated with thin cell walls. The cell wall contains cellulose, pectin and
hemicelluloses. They are found in the cortex, pith, medullary rays in wood and form the

packing tissue in xylem and phloem. Their role is largely based on their location in the
plant; that can determine whether they will serve in storage, photosynthesis, or damage
repair. They provide support in herbaceous plants. Parenchyma cells have large central
vacuoles, which are large, membrane-enclosed organelles found in many plant cells.
These vacuoles are able to be used by plant cells to store materials such as food and to
maintain optimal pressure within the cell of the plant. Also They contain intercellular air
IV.

spaces that allow for gaseous exchange. Transport of materials through cells or cell Walls.
Collenchyma Tissue Aka mechanical tissue and are made up of living cells. They are
found in the outer region of the cortex (angles of stems, midrib of leaves). These tissues
are elongated and polygonal with tapering ends, their cell walls are thick and are made up
of cellulose, pectin and hemicelluloses. Collenchyma cells provide structural support,
protecting the plant by serving as an inner framework, much like bones do for humans
and other animals. Plants are exposed to numerous structural challenges and without these
cells, most plants would be too fragile to withstand the damage caused by heavy rains,
high winds, and other stresses. It is very important in young plants, herbaceous plants and

V.

organs where secondary growth does not occur e.g. leaves.


Sclerenchyma Tissue Aka assistant support. These mature cells are dead and they do
not elongate, they have heavily thickened walls containing lignin. Sclerenchyma cells are
the principal supporting cells in plant tissues that have ceased elongation The two types of
sclerenchyma tissue are Fibres and Sclereids. Fibres are greatly elongated cells whose
long, tapering ends interlock, thus providing maximum support to a plant. They can be
found almost anywhere in the plant body, including the stem pericyle, the roots, and the
vascular bundles in leaves. Sclereids are extremely variable in shape(irregular) and are
present in various tissues of the plant such as the periderm, cortex, pith, xylem, and
phloem.
2. What is the function of root hairs?

Root hairs are tiny one celled hair-like extensions of the epidermal cells located near the tips
of roots, they increase surface area of the root and absorb water and minerals. They then
carry these minerals and water up to the rest of the plant by way of the plant's roots. The root
hairs secrete acids. These acids assist solubilizing minerals into ionic form; this makes the
minerals easier to carry and transport through the roots of the plant.

Trease, G. E., & Evans, W. C. (1972). Pharmacognosy. London.: Bailliere Tindall 795pp..
Caphaelis, Ipomoea, Datura, Hyoscyamus, Atropa, Digitalis, Valeriana.

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