UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES – VISAYAS TACLOBAN COLLEGE

Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

Name: Reign Ceasa D. Rosada 2022-03885

BS - BIOLOGY BOT 111.1 JK
Exercise #2
PLANT CELLS
Introduction

Plants carry out a variety of everyday activities, including photosynthesis, water

transport, nutrient transfer, and storage. The internal system of a plant functions efficiently due
to the cooperation of its tissues. Tissues are generated when comparable cells collaborate to
perform a specific job. A tissue system consists of one or more tissues organized into a
functional unit that connects the organs of a plant. Plant organs are composed of diverse tissues
which perform critical functions such as supplying mechanical strength and transporting water,
minerals, and nutrients to the plant's numerous components. Plant tissues consist of groupings
of cells with specialized biological functions. The plant tissue system consists of numerous
structured tissues that function as a single unit to connect the plant's organs. Dermal vascular
and ground tissues compose the plant organs that are located on the various plant components.
The types of plant tissues researched are simple tissues, which consist of a single kind of plant
cell, and complex tissues, which contain two or more types of plant cells.

Objectives
The purpose of this activity is for the students to describe and identify the structure of
different types of plant tissues and make accurate sketches of them, and to provide the correct
functions of the varying types plant tissues observed in this laboratory exercise.

Procedure

Simple Permanent Tissues

PARENCHYMA
The structure of the parenchyma tissue was observed with the help of a tomato. The
first step for observing the Parenchyma tissue and its cells was the removal of the sample
tomato’s skin, and some pulp was taken using a razor blade. The pulp that had been scraped
off was then placed on a microscope slide. After transferring the specimen and covering it with
 UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES – VISAYAS TACLOBAN COLLEGE
Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

a coverslip, the wet mount slide was completed by adding a few drops of water to the tissue
sample. The slide was then observed under the microscope.

COLLENCHYMA
A very thin part of a celery stalk was cut with a razor blade to observe the structure of
the collenchyma tissue. Following the sample preparation, the tissue to be examined was placed
on a microscope slide with water droplets, followed by the coverslip on top of the specimen.
After that, the wet mount slide was examined under the microscope. With various objective
lenses, the structures of the collenchyma cells were observed.

SCLERENCHYMA
The specimen used to examine the structure of the sclerenchyma tissue was the pulp of
a pear. The pulp of the pear was scraped as thin as possible using a razor blade. The prepared
pear pulp was then transferred to a microscope slide. After transferring the specimen, a few
drops of water were added to the tissue sample, followed up by the addition of the coverslip
finishing the wet mount. The slide was then observed under the microscope.

Complex Permanent Tissues

XYLEM AND PHLOEM

In order to identify one of the vascular bundles, a prepared slide of a dicot (Aristolochia)
stem cross-section was viewed under a microscope; after identifying one of the vascular
bundles, it was then observed under the High-Power Objective. The phloem and xylem were
then identified and subjected to a thorough observation; its different elements were also
observed.

Tissue Systems
THE DERMAL TISSUE SYSTEM

A square (0.5cm) was cut with a razor blade into the back of the piece of celery. Then,
a very thin piece of celery was torn and pulled off at the end. The sample specimen was then
placed on the slide with a drop of water. Any piece of the slice that seemed to be too thick was
 UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES – VISAYAS TACLOBAN COLLEGE
Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

eliminated. The wet mount was completed by covering it with a coverslip. The slide was
observed with different objective lenses.

THE VASCULAR TISSUE SYSTEM

After observing the prepared slide of a dicot stem (Aristolochia) cross-section, the
vascular bundles were identified, an illustration of the observations was presented, and the
vascular tissue was properly labeled.

THE GROUND TISSUE SYSTEM

Similar to the previous step, a prepared slide of a cross-section of a dicot stem

(Aristolochia) was observed. The ground tissue was observed. An illustration was made. The
examined ground tissue was properly labeled with its parts: cortex, pith, and pith rays.

Data and Results

PARENCHYMA

Parenchyma cell structure is observed in the cells of tomato pulps. The cells are spherical, have
thin walls, and are densely packed, allowing intercellular spaces to be visible. Chromoplasts
have observed to be suspended among cells. These
pigment-containing chromoplasts are responsible
for the red or yellow coloring of fruits. Moreover,
mature parenchyma cells have thinner walls and are
alive. Because of their thin walls, their structural
utility is diminished. However, this characteristic
enables the cells to migrate, store water and
nutrients, and divide rapidly. This is necessary for
the parenchyma cells' development and repair
functions. Each parenchyma cell may have a unique
Figure 1.1 Tomato Pulp Cell under 40x
magnification form depending on its precise location and the type
of tissue it resides in, but it will always include a big
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Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

central vacuole. The function of this organelle is to store water and ions. Also, this creates
pressure between the parenchyma cells and their neighbors (known as turgor pressure) and
enables the plant to store vast quantities of water and nutrients.

Moreover, the thin walls of the parenchyma cells facilitate the transport of sugars produced in
the leaves. Healing and repair are one of the most significant roles of parenchyma cells.
Parenchyma cells are distinguished by their meristematic nature, which indicates that they are
pluripotent and capable of dividing into numerous cell types. When a wound exposes
parenchyma cells to the outside, they are stimulated to begin dividing. The cells develop into
the necessary cell types, such as bark and epidermis. In contrast, the parenchyma cells inside
the wound remain undifferentiated and serve as a source of meristematic cells in case the plant
is attacked again. Parenchyma cells also serve as suppliers because they generate most
photosynthetic products. Another purpose is the storage of nutrients and food. The enormous
central vacuole within plant cells enables the storage of huge quantities of water-soluble
nutrients. By activating certain proteins and pathways, the plant may regulate the utilization
and distribution of nutrients within its cells. Ions, water, and all photosynthesis-derived
products are mostly stored in parenchyma cells.

Parts of the tomato pulp cells

Cell wall

chromoplast

nucleus

Figure 1.2 Sketch of Tomato Pulp Cell

COLLENCHYMA
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Collenchyma cell structure is observed in the cells of the celery. Similar to parenchyma
cells, collenchyma cells are alive at maturity and have only primary cell walls. Collenchyma
cells give structural support and serve as the plant's
inner skeleton to protect it. The collenchyma cells'
enlarged cell walls provide additional support to
the regions where they are present. Its walls are
usually thicker at the corners, and its cells are
typically elongated. Collenchyma cells help
support growing plant parts, such as shoots and
leaves, by providing support and filling gaps that
will be utilized for future growth. Often, they are
located in the filaments just beneath the epidermis
Figure 2.1 Celery Stalk under 10x
or along the veins of certain leaves.
magnification (Collenchyma Cells)

Collenchyma

Figure 2.2 Drawing of Celery Stalk

cells

SCLERENCHYMA
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Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

Sclerenchyma cells are specialized plant cells that give the plant strength and support.
They exist in many plants, including grasses, trees, and angiosperms. Inside their primary
walls, sclerenchyma cells have thick secondary walls composed of lignin, making them stable
and impermeable. Their primary use is mechanical
support and water conductivity.

Sclerenchyma consists of two types of

cells, sclereids, and fibers, which offer mechanical
stability. Fibers and sclereids have two
characteristics: they always contain a thick
secondary cell wall within the original cell wall
and are constantly dead at functional maturity.
Sclereids or stone cells are typically present in the
strongest portions of a plant, such as seed
Figure 3.1 Pear Pulp under 40x
magnification (Sclerenchyma Cells) coverings, nut shells, and the endocarp
encircling a pit in a drupe. Their main purpose is
to harden plant tissue. Moreover, they are dispersed throughout a pear's flesh, giving this fruit
a grainy texture. Sclereids in pears are usually spherical. However, their shapes vary widely.

Fiber is another
Figuretype of sclerenchyma
3.2 Sketch cell. Fibers are long and slender and have a supporting
of Pear Pulp
function in plants. cells
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Figure 4.1. Image of Tissue Paper

Figure 4.2 Illustration of Tissue
Under Microscope
Paper Fibers
Complex Permanent Tissues
PHLOEM

Phloem is the vascular tissue in a plant

responsible for the transportation of carbohydrates
and other dissolved organic substances from one
part of the plant to another. It has different kinds of
cells, such as sclerenchyma, parenchyma, sieve
elements, and companion cells. The sieve element
and companion cell are found close to each other in
a group called the sieve element/companion cell
complex. A single sieve element may have one or
more companion cells that have nuclei. In Figure 5.1 Aristolochia Old Stem
angiosperms, these sieve elements are called sieve c.s under 40x magnification
tube members, while in gymnosperms and ferns, they
are called sieve cells. These cells are still alive at maturity but do not have nuclei.

XYLEM
Xylem transfers water and some nutrients from the roots to the leaves. It transfers water, and
soluble nutrients, including minerals and inorganic ions, from the roots to the other parts of the
 UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES – VISAYAS TACLOBAN COLLEGE
Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

plant, which provides mechanical support. Xylem cells transfer materials through the long-
elongated tubes they produce. The mixture of water and nutrients that travels through the xylem
cells are called xylem sap. These compounds are Phloem
transferred through passive transport; therefore, the
process does not require energy. Capillary action
permits the xylem sap to flow upwards against
gravity. This occurs when surface tension causes
the liquid to rise. Xylem is formed of various types
of cells. Tracheids are long cells that help transport
xylem sap and give structural support. Vessel
elements are shorter than tracheids but also help
xylem
conduct water. They are exclusive to angiosperms
Figure 5.2 Sketch of Aristolochia Old
or blooming plants. Tracheids and vessel elements
stem c.s
are specialized kinds of sclerenchyma with
secondary walls and functional maturity death. Parenchyma cells and fibers are other types of
cells present in the xylem.

Tissue Systems

THE DERMAL TISSUE SYSTEM

The dermal tissue system has two complex

tissues that provide a covering for plants that
protect the plant's interior tissue; the epidermis and
periderm. Epidermal cells are flattened
parenchyma cells that protect the interior of
photosynthetic tissues and usually lack chloroplast.
These cells are surrounded by a non-cellular, waxy
cuticle that limits water loss. The opening and
Figure 6.1 Celery Dermal Tissue
closing of the stoma are controlled by guard cells,
under 40x magnification
which are chloroplast-containing cells dispersed
throughout the epidermal layers. The bark of woody plants is composed of periderm tissue.
 UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES – VISAYAS TACLOBAN COLLEGE
Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

Stomata

Epidermal cells

Figure 6.2 Sketch of Celery

Dermal Tissue

THE VASCULAR TISSUE SYSTEM (Aristolochia)

Vascular tissue consists of the xylem and phloem, which are the primary transport
systems of plants. They often exist in vascular bundles that traverse roots, stems, and leaves in
all plant organs. The xylem and phloem are vascular tissues that transport water and dissolved
substances throughout the plant. Furthermore, the xylem provides mechanical support. Both
the xylem and phloem are complex tissues containing multiple cell types. The herbaceous and
young woody plant stem's vascular tissues are organized into bundles.

THE GROUND TISSUE SYSTEM (Aristolochia)

Ground tissue is any plant tissue other than the dermal and vascular tissues that develop
in the root meristem. It fills the softer plant sections, such as the cortex, pith, pericycle, etc.
 UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES – VISAYAS TACLOBAN COLLEGE
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The ground tissue system consists of parenchyma, collenchyma, and sclerenchyma; it

constitutes most of the plant's body. The cell walls' nature, shape, and chemical makeup are
used to classify these cells.

Cortex

Central pith

Pith rays
Figure 7.1 Aristolochia Old Stem Figure 7.2 Sketch of Aristolochia
c.s under low power magnification Old Stem c.s under low power
magnification magnification magnification

1. Compare and contrast a simple tissue with a complex tissue. Give an example of each.

Tissues can be classified into two kinds: simple and complex. Simple tissues are the
ones that are composed of cells that are structurally and functionally similar, and they are
formed of only one type of cell. In contrast, complex tissues are the ones that consist of more
than one type of cell which works together as a unit. There are three types of simple tissues;
the parenchyma, collenchyma, and sclerenchyma. While complex tissues have two types the
xylem and the phloem.

In simple tissues, the epidermis is the outermost layer of skin. Both plants and mammals
have an epidermis, which serves the same function. It is a form of plant tissue composed of
thin, densely packed cells that help to separate the inside of organisms from the environment.
In order to prevent the plant's epidermis from burning or drying out in the sun, it is typically
coated with a waxy layer of protection. The epidermis contains guard cells that regulate the
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stoma, a small opening. This stoma controls the flow of air and water through the leaves,
allowing plants to transport water and nutrients from the soil. Moreover, this tissue is coated
with a waxy substance that repels insects, light, and the weather.

Complex tissues are also known as conducting and vascular tissues since they are
responsible for transporting organic material, water, and minerals throughout the plants and
removing photosynthetic waste from the leaves. The sugar glucose is created by
photosynthesis. The substance is altered and bound to additional 6-carbon sugars to produce
sucrose or a variety of disaccharides. It can be transferred with minimal water and distributed
efficiently throughout the plant in this state. The plant's complex tissues contribute to this
overall effort by supplying nutrients to the roots, water, and nutrients to the leaves.

2. Explain how the unevenly thickened primary cell walls of the collenchyma cells relate
qto the function of these cells.

Collenchyma cells provide structural support and act as the plant's interior framework
like bones protect humans and animals. Without these cells, most plants would be unable to
withstand the damaging effects of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and other stresses. The thicker
cell walls of collenchyma cells enable them to provide additional support to their positioned
locations. Collenchyma cells, a basic plant tissue, give young, developing plant parts flexibility
and structural stability. While the walls facing adjacent cells are relatively thin, the major cell
walls of collenchyma cells are thicker at the corners and edges. This uneven thickness gives
the cell the mechanical strength necessary to maintain the plant's weight while allowing for
development and flexibility. The thicker regions of the cell wall consist of cellulose and pectin,
which are extremely elastic and may stretch without breaking. As a result, collenchyma cells
can transform and extend as the plant matures. The irregularly thickened primary cell walls of
collenchyma cells are an adaptation that allows these cells to offer flexible support for the plant
and enable growth and expansion, photosynthesis, and the storage of vital components. In
particular, collenchyma cells help grow plant parts, such as shoots and leaves, by providing
support and filling holes used for subsequent growth.

3. Provide the function(s) for each of the cell/tissue types below:

➢ Parenchyma cells
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The leaves, stems, roots, and fruits have parenchyma cells. The majority
of plant ground tissues are composed of parenchyma cells, which perform
activities such as storage and photosynthesis. Some parenchyma cells are
specialized for storage and can store many substances, including water and
starch. The ability of these cells to multiply and differentiate into new tissues
aids in repairing plant damage also contributes to their role in wound healing.
In addition, parenchyma cells play a significant part in photosynthesis and plant
food production.

➢ Collenchyma cells

The collenchyma consists of elongated living cells with thick primary

walls that are irregular and composed of hemicellulose, cellulose, and pectic
substances. They often live at maturity and have thicker cell walls than
parenchyma. The primary job of collenchyma cells is to provide flexible support
for the plant without impeding its development and expansion. Moreover,
collenchyma cells allow the petiole, leaves, veins, and stems to flex without
breaking and give the plant mechanical strength.

➢ Sclerenchyma cells
Sclerenchyma cells have secondary cell walls that are reinforced by
lignin, which gives the cell strength and rigidity which causes these cells to be
exceptionally resistant and hard.These cells provide structural support and
protection to mature plant components as their function. Sclerenchyma cells
sustain mature plant components. In addition, they play an important role in
woody plants since they constitute a substantial portion of their structural
tissues. In addition, they contribute in seed dissemination. Sclereids, for
example, can aid in seed dissemination by providing mechanical resistance to
an animal's teeth or digestive tract.

➢ Xylem
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Xylem is a complex tissue composed of numerous cell types, including

tracheids, vessels, xylem fibers, and xylem parenchyma. It transports water and
dissolved mineral nutrients from the roots to the rest of the plant. The vessel
components and tracheids of the xylem are specially constructed to transport
dissolved minerals and water. In addition, xylem cells provide the plant with
mechanical support. The xylem fiber cells offer the primary water-carrying
tissues of the plant greater strength and stiffness.

➢ Phloem
The phloem transports food materials obtained from photosynthesis all
through the plant. It transports photosynthetic byproducts, such as sugars, from
the leaves throughout the plants, where they are used for storage, growth, and
energy. Members of sieve tubes, companion cells, fibers, parenchyma, and ray
cells make up the phloem. Sieve-tube elements are responsible for transporting
organic substances through the phloem, whereas companion cells assist the
metabolic and physiological functions of sieve-tube elements.

➢ Epidermis

The epidermis is the plant's outer coat that consists of a single layer. Its
primary function includes protecting the plant, facilitating gas exchange, and
promoting the absorption and secretion of nutrients and other chemicals,
making it essential to a plant's growth and survival.

4. What is a dermal tissue? what kinds of cells that comprise it?

Dermal tissue is the plant's outermost layer of tissue. It protects the plant against
damage and water loss. It is also referred to as the protective tissue because it covers
the plant's internal tissues from pathogen attacks, mechanical damage, temperature
stress, chemical penetration, and product-induced moisture loss. The epidermal cell is
the most prevalent type of cell in dermal tissue. Typically, a thin, waxy covering known
as the cuticle covers and protects the epidermal cells. Other dermal tissue cells are guard
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cells surrounding the leaf's stomata or apertures. Through the stomata, gases and water
enter and exit the dermal tissue.

5. What is a vascular tissue? what kinds of cells that comprise it?

Vascular tissue is a complex conducting tissue system present in higher plants
and vital for the transport of nutrients, water, hormones, and minerals throughout the
plant. It is derived from the procambium Vascular tissue consists of the xylem and
phloem, which are the primary transport systems of plants. They often exist in vascular
bundles that traverse roots, stems, and leaves in all plant organs. The xylem is
responsible for transporting water and dissolved ions from the plant's roots upwards.

6. What is a ground tissue? what kinds of cells that comprise it?

Ground tissue consists of all plant tissues, including cutaneous and vascular
tissue. It develops from the ground meristem to generate most of the plant's body. These
tissue cells consist of parenchyma, collenchyma, and sclerenchyma. The primary
edible section of fruits and vegetables is derived from the ground tissue, whose cells
perform the majority of metabolic tasks to collect diverse substances as nutrients for
the plant or, in the case of fruits, for seed dispersers. In addition, the ground tissue may
offer mechanical support to the organs to which it conforms.

Conclusion

The laboratory study of plant tissue systems is extremely useful and necessary for
expanding our understanding of plant biology. We have obtained tremendous insight into the
structure, function, and behavior of plant cells and tissues by examining plant tissues under
controlled laboratory circumstances. In addition, during the lab experiment, students precisely
and effectively examined the structure and function of several plant tissues, including dermal,
ground, and vascular tissues, as well as complicated and simple permanent tissues.

We have studied several plant tissues' qualities, traits, shapes, significance, and
functions. In addition, we can obtain insight into the molecular and cellular processes that drive
plant growth and development through this exercise. As first-year biology students, this
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experiment will help us gain a deeper understanding of plant biology, the complexity of plant
tissue systems, and how to apply our talents and knowledge in this subject.

References

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Biology Dictionary. Biology Dictionary. https://biologydictionary.net/parenchyma-

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Difference Between Simple and Complex Tissues. (n.d.). VEDANTU.

https://www.vedantu.com/biology/difference-between-simple-and-complex-tissues

Importance of Mathematics and National Mathematics Day. (n.d.). The Kashmir Horizon.
 UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES – VISAYAS TACLOBAN COLLEGE
Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

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