Question

Shilpa observes slides of plant tissue under a microscope as shown in the figure below. Identify the tissue. Give reason in support of your answer.

Answer 1

A group of similar cells performing similar function form tissue. Plants have three types of tissues. Dermal tissue which covers the outermost, Ground tissue for photosynthesis, active growth of root and shoot and the vascular tissue which functions in transport of water and minerals.

Complete answer:
The diagrams given in the question are the tissues which are present in the interior of the plants and are known as ground tissues. It arises from the meristem due to which they are actively dividing. These tissues are involved in the metabolic activities, storage etc. They are of three types-
Parenchyma, Sclerenchyma, Collenchyma.
Fig. A- As the cells are closely packed (without intercellular spaces) and are devoid of protoplasm, it is identified as sclerenchyma. This type of tissue is found in the cortex of roots and leaves. It is made up of dead cells and the cell wall is thick due to the deposition of lignin. The main function of sclerenchyma is to provide mechanical support to the plant.
The arrangement of cells in Fig B represents Parenchyma as the cell wall is thin and prominent intercellular spaces are present. It forms the photosynthetic tissues present in leaves, pulp of fruits and the endosperm in many seeds. The main function of parenchyma is dividing inner cells of the roots and shoots. They are associated with the food storage, sap secretion and exchange of gases.
Collenchyma- The arrangement of cells in the Fig C represents collenchyma as the cells have irregular, thick cell walls. They are elongated and have hemicellulose, cellulose and pectin materials. They are mostly found in the cortex of stem and leaves. The function of collenchyma is it provides mechanical strength to the plants.

Note: The vascular tissue is composed of xylem and phloem. They have the parenchymatous cells along with tracheids and vessels which help in transport of water, minerals and prepared food to various parts of the plant.