Question

What is a permanent tissue? Describe the different types of simple permanent tissue.

Answer 1

Permanent tissues are a group of living or dead cells which are formed by meristematic tissues that have lost their ability to divide.

• That is, these tissues have undergone differentiation and are incapable of meristematic activities.
• It is of two types:-

1) Simple permanent tissues 2) Complex permanent tissues

Simple permanent tissues are a group of cells which are similar in origin, structure and function.

• They are of three types:-

a) Parenchyma- are unspecialised living cells which have thin cell walls and are loosely packed so that the intercellular spaces are found between cells of this tissue.

• Its main function is to support and protect the plants and store food.

b) Collenchyma - are living tissues which also have thin-walled cells but possess thickening of cellulose, water and pectin substances at the corners of the cells.

• Its main function is to provide mechanical support, elasticity, and tensile strength to the plants.

c) Sclerenchyma- are tissues consists of thick-walled and dead cells.

• The cells have hard and thick walls because of lignin deposition.
• It provides mechanical stiffness and strength.