Question

Why are plants and animals made up of different tissues?

Answer 1

The word “tissue” is derived from a French word “tisse” which means “ to weave”. tissue is defined as a group of similar cells that are of the same origin and also perform similar kind of functions.

Complete answer:
Animals and plants consist of different kinds of tissues that serve different functions. Animals mostly consist of four types of tissues- connective, nervous, muscle and epithelial. Connective tissues are known as fibrous tissues where the cells are separated by non-living materials which is called the extracellular matrix. Connective tissues help to give organs their shape and also hold them in place. Nervous tissue makes up the central and peripheral nervous system. Muscle tissue produces force that either helps in locomotion or movement of internal organs. Epithelial tissue are those that cover organ surfaces and provide a barrier between the external environment and the organ thus providing protection. Plant tissues are broadly of two types- meristematic and permanent tissue. Meristematic tissues are those that consist of actively dividing cells and lead both increase in both length and thickness of plants. Permanent tissue are those that consist of either living or dead cells that have lost the ability to divide and are committed to a specific function. Plants and animals are made of different tissues because the role of tissue in both of them is quite different, the tissues in plants function to provide strength and support to the plant. Whereas animal tissues have a wide range of functions, it helps the animal move from one place to another; a function that is not needed in plants, provides protection to internal and external organs and animal tissues also require more energy than plant tissue.

Note: There is one tissue that is common to both plants and animals, they are known as mineralized tissue. These tissues incorporate minerals onto soft matrices and help to provide protection against predation or structural support.