Question

Question 55
(a) Differentiate between meristematic and permanent tissues in plants
(b) Define the process of differentiation
(c) Name any two simple and two complex permanent tissues in plants.

Answer 1

(a)
$\begin{array}{cc}\text{Meristematic}& \text{Permanent}\\ \text{Cells of this tissue divide throughout their life.}& \text{They lose the ability to divide to take up specific}\\ & \text{function}\\ \text{They are located at specific regions of the plant}& \text{They are distributed throughout the plant body.}\\ \text{viz: apical lateral, intercalary.}& \\ \text{Cells of this tissue are very active, have dense cytoplasm,}& \text{They are vacuolated, vary in shape and size. Their}\\ \text{thin walls and prominent nuclei. They lack vacuoles.}& \text{cell wall may be thick.}\\ \text{Cell wall is cellulosic.}& \text{Cell wall is made up of cellulose/ lignin/ suberin.}\end{array}$
(b) The loss of ability to divide, by taking up a permanent shape, size and function is called differentiation.
(c) Simple: Parenchyma/collenchyma/sclerenchyma;

Complex: Phloem/xylem.