Question

Which of the following tissues is made up of more than one type of cell?
(A) Parenchyma
(B) Sclerenchyma
(C) Complex tissue
(D) Collenchyma

Answer 1

Plant body is majorly made up of permanent tissues. Permanent cells are those which have lost the ability to divide, but are involved in various functions. Permanent tissues are two types, namely simple and complex. Simple tissue is made up of only one type of cell, while complex tissue is made up of more than one type of cell.

Complete answer:
Plant body consists of two types of tissues, such as meristematic and permanent. Meristematic cells are present at the apex of shoots and roots that undergo rapid cell division. On the other hand, permanent tissue consists of cells which have lost the ability to divide, but can perform specialised functions. There are two types of permanent tissues, namely simple and complex tissue.
(i) Simple tissue – It consists of only one type of cell, which are structurally and functionally similar in nature. Three types of simple tissue are parenchyma, collenchyma and sclerenchyma.
(ii) Complex tissue – It consists of more than one type of cell, which are grouped together to perform similar functions. Example – xylem and phloem (vascular tissues).

Xylem consists of four types of cells, namely tracheid, vessels, xylem parenchyma and xylem fibres. These four cells are grouped as a single unit and help in the transportation of water and minerals throughout the plant body.
Phloem consists of four types of cells, namely sieve elements, companion cells, phloem parenchyma and phloem fibres. These four cells perform a common function, which is transportation of food materials throughout the plant body.
Understanding the Options one by one,
(A) Parenchyma, (B) Sclerenchyma and (D) Collenchyma
These cannot be the correct answer, as they are different types of simple tissue.

Hence, the correct answer is Option (C)

Note: Complex tissues are made up of more than one type of cell, which are either living or dead. Xylem is considered as dead tissue. Because among the four types of cells, only xylem parenchyma is living. On the other hand, phloem is considered as living tissue, because except phloem fibres, all are living in nature. It is important to understand the functions of both the complex tissues, and also the living and dead cells among it.