Plant and Animal Tissues
📘 Introduction
Biology is the study of life, and understanding tissues is like understanding how life is built, cell by cell. In this chapter, you'll learn about plant and animal tissues, how they differ, their types, and their functions.
🌱 What are Tissues?
A tissue is a group of cells that have the same structure and function.
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In plants, tissues help in growth, transport, and support.
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In animals, tissues help in protection, movement, and coordination.
🌿 Plant Tissues
🔹 Classification of Plant Tissues
A [Meristematic]B [Permanent]
🧬 1. Meristematic Tissue
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Apical Meristem: Tip of root and shoot → grows lengthwise
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Lateral Meristem: Sides of stems/roots → increases thickness
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Intercalary Meristem: Base of leaves → quick elongation
✅ Function: Cell division → plant growth
🍀 2. Permanent Tissue
A. Simple Permanent Tissue
| Type | Structure | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parenchyma | Thin-walled | Storage, photosynthesis | Soft stems, leaves |
| Collenchyma | Thick at corners | Support | Leaf stalk |
| Sclerenchyma | Thick, dead cells | Strength | Coconut husk |
B. Complex Permanent Tissue
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Xylem – transports water
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Tracheids, vessels, fibers, parenchyma
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Phloem – transports food
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Sieve tubes, companion cells, fibers, parenchyma
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🧍♂️ Animal Tissues
🔹 Classification of Animal Tissues
graph TD
[Animal Tissues]A --> B[Epithelial]
A --> C[Connective]
A --> D[Muscular]
A --> E[Nervous]
🧩 1. Epithelial Tissue – Protective Layer
| Type | Shape & Structure | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Squamous | Flat cells | Lining of lungs |
| Cuboidal | Cube-like | Kidney tubules |
| Columnar | Tall cells | Intestine lining |
| Ciliated Columnar | With cilia | Respiratory tract |
🦴 2. Connective Tissue – Binder of the Body
| Type | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Blood | Transports nutrients | Whole body |
| Bone | Support | Skeleton |
| Ligament | Connect bone to bone | Joints |
| Tendon | Connect muscle to bone | Elbow, Knee |
| Cartilage | Flexible support | Nose, Ear |
💪 3. Muscular Tissue – For Movement
| Type | Control | Found In |
|---|---|---|
| Striated | Voluntary | Limbs, arms |
| Unstriated | Involuntary | Stomach, intestine |
| Cardiac | Involuntary | Heart |
Ref: sciencedirect.com/topics/immunology-and-microbiology/nervous-tissue
🧠 4. Nervous Tissue – For Communication
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Made of neurons
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Parts: Dendrites, Cell Body, Axon
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Function: Sends signals to and from brain and body
📌 Key Differences Between Plant & Animal Tissues
| Feature | Plant Tissues | Animal Tissues |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | Meristematic | Limited growth after age |
| Type | Simple, Complex | 4 main types |
📝 Chapter Summary
🔹 Plant Tissues:
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Meristematic: Helps in growth
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Permanent: Performs support & transport
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Simple (Parenchyma, etc.)
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Complex (Xylem, Phloem)
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🔹 Animal Tissues:
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Epithelial: Covers and protects
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Connective: Joins and supports
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Muscular: Moves the body
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Nervous: Controls and coordinates
📚 Final Notes for Students
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Revise diagrams and definitions
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Practice labelled diagrams of neuron, xylem, muscle tissue
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Focus on function + location of each tissue
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Prepare flowcharts to understand classification clearly
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