Exercise 4

Simple and Complex Permanent Tissues

Part I.

Objective: To identify and know the functions of the simple permanent tissues found in plants

Specimen: Helianthus c.s stem

Procedure:

1. Examine a prepared slide of the cross section of Helianthus stem

2. Under HPO,identify the following simple permanent tissue:

a) Collenchyma -directly beneath the epidermis and consisting of a few layers of cells with
unevenly thickened cell walls

b) Parenchyma-widely distributed tissue located beneath the collenchyma, between the vascular
bundles, and at the center of the section

c) Sclerenchyma-found in groups or clusters among the parenchyma cells around the vascular
tissue

Draw under HPO from 10-15 cells of each tissues:

What are the functions of these tissues?

Parenchyma

Part II.

Objective: To identify and know the functions of the different complex permanent tissues.

Sclerenchyma
Specimen: Zea may c.s stem

Procedure:

1. Examine a prepared slide of the cross section of Zea mays stem

2. Under LPO,observe the face-like structures scattered throughout the stem.These are the so called
“vascular bundles”

3.Under HPO,identify the following complex permanent tissue:

a) Xylem - directed towards the center of the stem

b.)Phloem-oriented towards the epidermis

Draw the whole Zea may c.s stem and label the vascular bundles
What are the functions of these tissues?