CELLS, TISSUES & ORGANS

Introduction

Cells are the basic units of all living things. A tissue is an group of cells that work together to carry out a specific function*

An organ is a collection of tissues joined in structured units to serve a common function. Cells Tissues Organs

TYPICAL STRUCTURE OF A DICOTYLEDONOUS ROOT

CELLS

CELLS
The dicotyledonous root consists of the following cells: Epidermal Cells Parenchyma Cells
Other cells of the plant include: Schlerenchyma Collenchyma

TISSUES OF THE PLANT

TISSUES

TISSUES
There are three main types of tissues: Dermal Tissue Vascular Tissue Ground Tissue

DERMAL TISSUE (AKA Epidermis)

Functions: Protects against water loss Regulates gas exchange Secretes metabolic compounds Absorbs water and mineral nutrients. (especially in roots)

VASCULAR TISSUE (Transportation)

Function: Transport materials that are essential for plant survival, between the roots and shoots.

GROUND TISSUE
Functions: Storage Photosynthesis Support etc.

THE CORTEX
Is the region of the root located inside the epidermis

HYPODERMIS (AKA Exodermis)

Function: Prevent water and minerals from leaking through the cortex Prevent the entrance of microorganisms

STORAGE PARENCHYMA
Function: Stores starch and other substances

ENDODERMIS
Function: Regulates the passage of water and dissolved substances by forcing them to move through living plasma membranes and plasmodesmata* and not simply diffuse through the porous cell walls. *Plasmodesmata are narrow extensions of cell sap
between cell walls.

DIAGRAMS OF THE ENDODERMIS AND THE FLOW OF MATERIALS THROUGH THE CASPARIAN LAYER

THE STELE

PERICYCLE
Fuction: Regulates the formation of lateral roots

XYLEM & PHLOEM

Function: Transportation of materials throughout plant

CAMBIUM
Function: Produce new phloem on the outside and xylem on the inside in roots, stems etc.