Activity: Plant Tissue Diagram and Analysis

Instructions:

1. Choose a plant species that you find interesting or have studied in class.
2. Research and identify the different types of plant tissues present in your chosen plant species. These
may include meristematic tissue, dermal tissue, ground tissue, and vascular tissue.
3. Create a detailed diagram of a cross-section of a plant stem or leaf, highlighting the different types of
plant tissues.
4. Use colored pencils or markers to label each type of tissue in your diagram. Make sure to include a key
or legend to explain the colors and labels used.
5. Write a short description or paragraph explaining the function of each type of tissue in the plant.
6. Answer the following guide questions based on your diagram and research:
a. How does the arrangement of plant tissues contribute to the overall structure and function of the plant?
The different tissues has its own contributions to the plants, same with its arrangement
which contributes to the overall structure and function of a plant by combining with other tissues to
create organs such as leaves, flowers, stems and roots.
b. Why is the presence of meristematic tissue important for plant growth and development?

c. How do dermal tissues protect the plant from external factors such as pathogens and water loss?
Dermal tissues can be found on the outside of the plant and it provides protection for the
plant cells they surround from external factors such as pathogens. The cells making up dermal
tissues are tough so that they can protect against mechanical challenges to the plant, like abrasion.
They have thick cell walls. In the shoot, the epidermis cells, which are the main cell type in dermal
tissue, secrete a water-resistant substance called cutin (a waxy polymer), which coats the wall of the
cell exposed to the environment. This coating helps limit the loss to the atmosphere of water that is
inside the plant. Cutin is absent or greatly reduced in root tissue because roots need to reach out
into the soil to absorb water and nutrients.
d. What are the roles of ground tissues in supporting the plant and storing nutrients?
Ground tissue allows the plants to undergo photosynthesis, produce food in their leaves,
store food in their roots, grow and heal after injury, provide each plant with structural support so it
can stand upright, and it promotes buoyancy in aquatic plants. It also fills the space between the
layers of dermal tissue (outer covering of plants) and vascular tissue (xylem and phloem,
responsible for transporting nutrients).
e. How do vascular tissues facilitate the transport of water, nutrients, and sugars within the plant?

7. Conclude your analysis by summarizing the importance of understanding plant tissues in studying plant
biology and ecology.

Submission Guidelines:

1. Submit your completed diagram, labeled with colors and tissue names, along with the accompanying
description, guide question answers, and conclusion.
2. You will submit everything together with your hard copy of the mitosis and meiosis activity during our
lab session.
3. Make sure your submission is neat, organized, and easy to understand.
Remember to be thorough in your analysis and provide clear explanations for each question. This activity
will help you develop a deeper understanding of plant tissues and their functions. Enjoy the process and
have fun with your diagram!

Dermal tissue covers the plant and can be found on the outer layer of roots,
stems and leaves. Its main functions are transpiration, gas exchange and
defense.
Vascular tissue is the plumbing system of the plant. It allows water, minerals, and
dissolved sugars from photosynthesis to pass through roots, stems, leaves, and
other parts of the plant.
Dermal tissue covers and protects the plant, and vascular tissue
transports water, minerals, and sugars to different parts of the plant.
Ground tissue serves as a site for photosynthesis, provides a
supporting matrix for the vascular tissue, and helps to store water and
sugars.
Epidermis- A single layer of cells that covers the leaves, flowers, roots and stems of plants. It forms a
boundary between the plant and the external environment. Provides a protective barrier against
mechanical injury, water loss, and infection.
Xylem- Water-conducting cells
Phloem- Sugar-conducting cells
Pith- internal to the vascular tissue
Cortex- external to the vascular tissue