C hapter 6

TISSUES
From the last chapter, we recall that all living There are noticeable differences between

d
organisms are made of cells. In unicellular the two. Plants are stationary or fixed – they
organisms, a single cell performs all basic don’t move. Most of the tissues they have are

he
functions. For example, in Amoeba, a single supportive, which provides them with
cell carries out movement, intake of food and structural strength. Most of these tissues are
respiratory gases, respiration and excretion. dead, since dead cells can provide mechanical
But in multi-cellular organisms there are strength as easily as live ones, and need less
millions of cells. Most of these cells are maintenance.

is
specialised to carry out a few functions. Each Animals on the other hand move around
specialised function is taken up by a different in search of food, mates and shelter. They
group of cells. Since these cells carry out only consume more energy as compared to plants.

bl
a particular function, they do it very Most of the tissues they contain are living.
efficiently. In human beings, muscle cells Another difference between animals and
contract and relax to cause movement, nerve plants is in the pattern of growth. The growth
pu
cells carry messages, blood flows to transport in plants is limited to certain regions, while
oxygen, food, hormones and waste material this is not so in animals. There are some
tissues in plants that divide throughout their
be T

and so on. In plants, vascular tissues conduct

food and water from one part of the plant to life. These tissues are localised in certain
re

other parts. So, multi-cellular organisms regions. Based on the dividing capacity of the
o R

tissues, various plant tissues can be classified

show division of labour. Cells specialising in
one function are often grouped together in as growing or meristematic tissue and
the body. This means that a particular permanent tissue. Cell growth in animals is
tt E

more uniform. So, there is no such

function is carried out by a cluster of cells at
demarcation of dividing and non-dividing
a definite place in the body. This cluster of
regions in animals.
C

cells, called a tissue, is arranged and designed

The structural organisation of organs and
so as to give the highest possible efficiency of
organ systems is far more specialised and
function. Blood, phloem and muscle are all
localised in complex animals than even in very
no N

examples of tissues.
complex plants. This fundamental difference
A group of cells that are similar in reflects the different modes of life pursued
structure and/or work together to achieve a by these two major groups of organisms,
particular function forms a tissue.
particularly in their different feeding methods.
©

Also, they are differently adapted for a

6.1 Are Plants and Animals Made sedentary existence on one hand (plants) and
of Same Types of Tissues? active locomotion on the other (animals),
contributing to this difference in organ system
Let us compare their structure and functions. design.
Do plants and animals have the same It is with reference to these complex
structure? Do they both perform similar animal and plant bodies that we will now talk
functions? about the concept of tissues in some detail.
 Q
uestions • From the above observations, answer
the following questions:
1. What is a tissue? 1. Which of the two onions has longer
2. What is the utility of tissues in roots? Why?
2. Do the roots continue growing even
multi-cellular organisms?
after we have removed their tips?
3. Why would the tips stop growing in
jar 2 after we cut them?
6.2 Plant Tissues The growth of plants occurs only in certain
specific regions. This is because the dividing
6.2.1 MERISTEMATIC TISSUE tissue, also known as meristematic tissue, is

d
located only at these points. Depending on
the region where they are present,
meristematic tissues are classified as apical,

he
lateral and intercalary (Fig. 6.2). New cells
produced by meristem are initially like those
of meristem itself, but as they grow and
mature, their characteristics slowly change

is
and they become differentiated as
components of other tissues.

bl
pu Apical meristem

Jar 1 Jar 2

Intercalary meristem
be T

Fig. 6.1: Growth of roots in onion bulbs

re

Activity ______________ 6.1

o R

• Take two glass jars and fill them with

water.
tt E

• Now, take two onion bulbs and place

one on each jar, as shown in
Fig. 6.1.
C

• Observe the growth of roots in both the

bulbs for a few days.
• Measure the length of roots on day 1, Lateral meristem
no N

2 and 3.
• On day 4, cut the root tips of the onion
bulb in jar 2 by about 1 cm. After this,
observe the growth of roots in both the Fig. 6.2: Location of meristematic tissue in plant body
jars and measure their lengths each
©

day for five more days and record the Apical meristem is present at the growing
observations in tables, like the table tips of stems and roots and increases the
below: length of the stem and the root. The girth of
the stem or root increases due to lateral
Length Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 meristem (cambium). Intercalary meristem is
the meristem at the base of the leaves or
Jar 1
internodes (on either side of the node)
Jar 2 on twigs.

TISSUES 69
 As the cells of this tissue are very active, • Now, answer the following on the basis
they have dense cytoplasm, thin cellulose of your observation:
walls and prominent nuclei. They lack 1. Are all cells similar in structure?
vacuoles. Can we think why they would lack 2. How many types of cells can
vacuoles? (You might want to refer to the be seen?
functions of vacuoles in the chapter on cells.) 3. Can we think of reasons why there
would be so many types of cells?
• We can also try to cut sections of plant
6.2.2 PERMANENT TISSUE roots. We can even try cutting sections
of root and stem of different plants.
What happens to the cells formed by
meristematic tissue? They take up a specific
6.2.2 ((ii) SIMPLE PERMANENT TISSUE

d
role and lose the ability to divide. As a result,
they form a permanent tissue. This process A few layers of cells form the basic packing
of taking up a permanent shape, size, and a

he
tissue. This tissue is parenchyma, a type of
function is called differentiation. Cells of permanent tissue. It consists of relatively
meristematic tissue differentiate to form unspecialised cells with thin cell walls. They
different types of permanent tissue. are live cells. They are usually loosely packed,

is
Trichome
Mucilaginous canal

bl
Cuticle
Epidermis
Hypodermis
pu
Cortex
Endodermis
Pericycle
be T

Phloem
Cambium
re
o R

Medullary ray
Xylem
tt E

Vascular bundle
Pith
C

Fig. 6.3: Section of a stem

no N

Activity ______________ 6.2 so that large spaces between cells

(intercellular spaces) are found in this tissue
• Take a plant stem and with the help [Fig. 6.4 a(i)]. This tissue provides support to
of your teacher cut into very thin slices plants and also stores food. In some
©

or sections. situations, it contains chlorophyll and

• Now, stain the slices with safranin. performs photosynthesis, and then it is called
Place one neatly cut section on a slide, chlorenchyma. In aquatic plants, large air
and put a drop of glycerine. cavities are present in parenchyma to give
• Cover with a cover-slip and observe buoyancy to the plants to help them float.
under a microscope. Observe the Such a parenchyma type is called
various types of cells and their aerenchyma. The parenchyma of stems and
arrangement. Compare it with Fig. 6.3. roots also stores nutrients and water.

70 SCIENCE
 The flexibility in plants is due to another this tissue in leaf stalks below the epidermis.
permanent tissue, collenchyma. It allows The cells of this tissue are living, elongated
easy bending in various parts of a plant (leaf, and irregularly thickened at the
stem) without breaking. It also provides corners. There is very little intercellular
mechanical support to plants. We can find space (Fig. 6.4 b).

Intercellular spaces
Wall thickenings
Nucleus
Vacuole
Cell wall

d
he
a (i) b (i)

is
Cytoplasm

bl
Nucleus
End wall
Middle lamella Primary cell wall
(thickened at corners)
pu
Chloroplast
Chloroplast
Nucleus
be T

Vacuole
re
Vacuole
o R

Cytoplasm

Intercellular space
Intercellular space
tt E

Primary cell wall

C

a (ii) b (ii)
no N

Narrow lumen
Lignified
Simple
thick wall
pit pair
©

c (i) c (ii)

Fig. 6.4: Various types of simple tissues: (a) Parenchyma (i) transverse section, (ii) longitudinal section;
(b) Collenchyma (i) transverse section, (ii) longitudinal section; (c) Sclerenchyma (i) transverse section,
(ii) longitudinal section.

TISSUES 71
 Yet another type of permanent tissue is epidermis may be thicker since protection
sclerenchyma. It is the tissue which makes against water loss is critical. The entire
the plant hard and stiff. We have seen the surface of a plant has this outer covering of
husk of a coconut. It is made of epidermis. It protects all the parts of the plant.
sclerenchymatous tissue. The cells of this Epidermal cells on the aerial parts of the plant
tissue are dead. They are long and narrow as often secrete a waxy, water-resistant layer on
the walls are thickened due to lignin (a their outer surface. This aids in protection
chemical substance which acts as cement and against loss of water, mechanical injury and
hardens them). Often these walls are so thick invasion by parasitic fungi. Since it has a
that there is no internal space inside the cell protective role to play, cells of epidermal
(Fig. 6.4 c). This tissue is present in stems, tissue form a continuous layer without

d
around vascular bundles, in the veins of intercellular spaces. Most epidermal cells are
leaves and in the hard covering of seeds and relatively flat. Often their outer and side walls

he
nuts. It provides strength to the plant parts. are thicker than the inner wall.
We can observe small pores here and there
Activity ______________ 6.3 in the epidermis of the leaf. These pores are
• Take a freshly plucked leaf of Rhoeo. called stomata (Fig. 6.5). Stomata are
enclosed by two kidney-shaped cells called

is
• Stretch and break it by applying
pressure. guard cells. They are necessary for
• While breaking it, keep it stretched exchanging gases with the atmosphere.
gently so that some peel or skin

bl
Transpiration (loss of water in the form of
projects out from the cut. water vapour) also takes place through
• Remove this peel and put it in a petri
stomata.
dish filled with water.
pu
• Add a few drops of safranin. Think about which gas may be required
• Wait for a couple of minutes and then
for photosynthesis.
transfer it onto a slide. Gently place a
Find out the role of transpiration in plants.
be T

cover slip over it.

• Observe under microscope. Epidermal cells of the roots, whose
re

function is water absorption, commonly bear

o R

long hair-like parts that greatly increase the

total absorptive surface area.
tt E

In some plants like desert plants,

epidermis has a thick waxy coating of cutin
(chemical substance with waterproof quality)
C

Guard
cells on its outer surface. Can we think of a reason
for this?
Stomata Is the outer layer of a branch of a tree
no N

Epidermal different from the outer layer of a young stem?

cell
Guard As plants grow older, the outer protective
cell
(a) (b)
tissue undergoes certain changes. A strip of
secondary meristem replaces the epidermis
©

of the stem. Cells on the outside are cut off

Fig. 6.5: Guard cells and epidermal cells: (a) lateral from this layer. This forms the several-layer
view, (b) surface view thick cork or the bark of the tree. Cells of
cork are dead and compactly arranged
What you observe is the outermost layer without intercellular spaces (Fig. 6.6). They
of cells, called epidermis. The epidermis is also have a chemical called suberin in their
usually made of a single layer of cells. In some walls that makes them impervious to gases
plants living in very dry habitats, the and water.

72 SCIENCE
 Cork cells Ruptured epidermis
parts of the plant. Except for phloem fibres,
phloem cells are living cells.

d
Fig. 6.6: Protective tissue

he
ii)) COMPLEX PERMANENT TISSUE
6.2.2 ((ii
ii Phloem Xylem

The different types of tissues we have

discussed until now are all made of one type

is
of cells, which look like each other. Such
tissues are called simple permanent tissue.
Yet another type of permanent tissue is

bl
Nucleus
complex tissue. Complex tissues are made of
more than one type of cells. All these cells Pit
coordinate to perform a common function.
pu
Xylem and phloem are examples of such
complex tissues. They are both conducting Pits
be T

tissues and constitute a vascular bundle. Cytoplasm

Vascular or conductive tissue is a distinctive

re
feature of the complex plants, one that has
o R

made possible their survival in the terrestrial

environment. In Fig. 6.3 showing a section of
(a) Tracheid (b) Vessel (c) Xylem parenchyma
stem, can you see different types of cells in
tt E

the vascular bundle?

Xylem consists of tracheids, vessels,
C

xylem parenchyma (Fig. 6.7 a,b,c) and xylem Sieve plate

fibres. The cells have thick walls, and many
Sieve tube
of them are dead cells. Tracheids and vessels
no N

are tubular structures. This allows them to

transport water and minerals vertically. The Phloem
parenchyma stores food and helps in the parenchyma
sideways conduction of water. Fibres are
©

Companion cell
mainly supportive in function.
Phloem is made up of four types of
elements: sieve tubes, companion cells,
phloem fibres and the phloem parenchyma
[Fig. 6.7 (d)]. Sieve tubes are tubular cells with (d) Section of phloem
perforated walls. Phloem is unlike xylem in
that materials can move in both directions in
Fig. 6.7: Types of complex tissue
it. Phloem transports food from leaves to other

TISSUES 73
 Q
uestions During breathing we inhale oxygen. Where
does this oxygen go? It is absorbed in the
1. Name types of simple tissues. lungs and then is transported to all the body
2. Where is apical meristem found? cells through blood. Why would cells need
3. Which tissue makes up the husk oxygen? The functions of mitochondria we
of coconut? studied earlier provide a clue to this question.
4. What are the constituents of Blood flows and carries various substances
phloem? from one part of the body to the other. For
example, it carries oxygen and food to all cells.
It also collects wastes from all parts of the
6.3 Animal Tissues body and carries them to the liver and kidney

d
for disposal.
When we breathe we can actually feel the Blood and muscles are both examples of

he
movement of our chest. How do these body tissues found in our body. On the basis of
parts move? For this we have specialised cells the functions they perform we can think of
called muscle cells (Fig. 6.8). The contraction different types of animal tissues, such as
and relaxation of these cells result in epithelial tissue, connective tissue, muscular
movement. tissue and nervous tissue. Blood is a type of

is
connective tissue, and muscle forms
muscular tissue.

bl
6.3.1 EPITHELIAL TISSUE

The covering or protective tissues in the

pu
animal body are epithelial tissues. Epithelium
covers most organs and cavities within the
body. It also forms a barrier to keep different
be T

body systems separate. The skin, the lining

re
of the mouth, the lining of blood vessels, lung
o R

alveoli and kidney tubules are all made of

epithelial tissue. Epithelial tissue cells are
tightly packed and form a continuous sheet.
tt E

They have only a small amount of cementing

material between them and almost no
intercellular spaces. Obviously, anything
C

entering or leaving the body must cross at

least one layer of epithelium. As a result, the
permeability of the cells of various epithelia
no N

play an important role in regulating the

exchange of materials between the body and
the external environment and also between
different parts of the body. Regardless of the
©

Smooth muscle fibres

type, all epithelium is usually separated from
the underlying tissue by an extracellular
Nucleus fibrous basement membrane.
Smooth muscle fibre Different epithelia (Fig. 6.9) show differing
structures that correlate with their unique
(Cell)
functions. For example, in cells lining blood
vessels or lung alveoli, where transportation
Fig. 6.8: Location of muscle fibres of substances occurs through a selectively

74 SCIENCE
 permeable surface, there is a simple flat kind squamous epithelium. Simple squamous
of epithelium. This is called the simple epithelial cells are extremely thin and flat and
form a delicate lining. The oesophagus and
the lining of the mouth are also covered with
squamous epithelium. The skin, which
protects the body, is also made of squamous
epithelium. Skin epithelial cells are arranged
in many layers to prevent wear and tear. Since
(a) Squamous
they are arranged in a pattern of layers, the
epithelium is called stratified squamous
epithelium.

d
Where absorption and secretion occur, as
in the inner lining of the intestine, tall

he
epithelial cells are present. This columnar
(meaning ‘pillar-like’) epithelium facilitates
movement across the epithelial barrier. In the
respiratory tract, the columnar epithelial

is
tissue also has cilia, which are hair-like
projections on the outer surfaces of epithelial
(b) Cuboidal
cells. These cilia can move, and their

bl
movement pushes the mucus forward to clear
it. This type of epithelium is thus ciliated
columnar epithelium.
pu
Cuboidal epithelium (with cube-shaped
cells) forms the lining of kidney tubules and
ducts of salivary glands, where it provides
be T

mechanical support. Epithelial cells often

acquire additional specialisation as gland
re

cells, which can secrete substances at the

o R

(c) Columnar (Ciliated) epithelial surface. Sometimes a portion of the

epithelial tissue folds inward, and a
tt E

multicellular gland is formed. This is

glandular epithelium.
C

6.3.2 C ONNECTIVE TISSUE

Blood is a type of connective tissue. Why
no N

would it be called ‘connective’ tissue? A clue

is provided in the introduction of this chapter!
Now, let us look at this type of tissue in some
more detail. The cells of connective tissue are
©

loosely spaced and embedded in an

intercellular matrix (Fig. 6.10). The matrix
may be jelly like, fluid, dense or rigid. The
nature of matrix differs in concordance with
the function of the particular connective
(d) Stratified squamous tissue.
Take a drop of blood on a slide and observe
Fig. 6.9: Different types of epithelial tissues different cells present in it under a microscope.

TISSUES 75
 Reticular fibre
Blood has a fluid (liquid) matrix called
Fibroblast
plasma, in which red blood cells (RBCs), white
blood cells (WBCs) and platelets are
suspended. The plasma contains proteins,
salts and hormones. Blood flows and
transports gases, digested food, hormones
and waste materials to different parts of the
Macrophage body.
Bone is another example of a connective
Collagen fibre
tissue. It forms the framework that supports
Plasma cell the body. It also anchors the muscles and

d
Mast cell
(a) supports the main organs of the body. It is a
Nucleus strong and nonflexible tissue (what would be

he
Fat droplet
the advantage of these properties for bone
functions?). Bone cells are embedded in a
hard matrix that is composed of calcium and
phosphorus compounds.
Two bones can be connected to each other

is
by another type of connective tissue called
the ligament. This tissue is very elastic. It has

bl
considerable strength. Ligaments contain
very little matrix. Tendons connect muscles
to bones and are another type of connective
tissue. Tendons are fibrous tissue with great
pu
Adipocyte
(b)
strength but limited flexibility.
Haversian canal
(contains blood vessels
Another type of connective tissue,
be T

Chondrocyte cartilage, has widely spaced cells. The solid

and nerve fibres)
Hyaline matrix matrix is composed of proteins and sugars.
re
Cartilage smoothens bone surfaces at joints
o R

and is also present in the nose, ear, trachea

and larynx. We can fold the cartilage of the
ears, but we cannot bend the bones in our
tt E

Canaliculus (contains (d)

slender process of bone arms. Think of how the two tissues are
cell or osteocyte)
(c) different!
Areolar connective tissue is found between
C

Red blood
corpuscle the skin and muscles, around blood vessels
Cytoplasm

Nucleus
and nerves and in the bone marrow. It fills
no N

the space inside the organs, supports internal

organs and helps in repair of tissues.
Neutrophil Eosinophil Basophil
Different white (polynuclear
Where are fats stored in our body? Fat-
blood corpuscles leucocyte) storing adipose tissue is found below the skin
©

and between internal organs. The cells of this

tissue are filled with fat globules. Storage of
fats also lets it act as an insulator.
Lymphocyte Monocyte Platelets

(e) 6.3.3 MUSCULAR TISSUE

Fig. 6.10: Types of connective tissues: (a) areolar
tissue, (b) adipose tissue, (c) compact Muscular tissue consists of elongated cells,
bone, (d) hyaline cartilage, (e) types of also called muscle fibres. This tissue is
blood cells responsible for movement in our body.

76 SCIENCE
 Muscles contain special proteins called to bones and help in body movement. Under
contractile proteins, which contract and relax the microscope, these muscles show alternate
to cause movement. light and dark bands or striations when
Nuclei stained appropriately. As a result, they are
Striations
also called striated muscles. The cells of this
tissue are long, cylindrical, unbranched and
multinucleate (having many nuclei).
The movement of food in the alimentary
canal or the contraction and relaxation of
(a)
Spindle shaped blood vessels are involuntary movements. We
muscle cell cannot really start them or stop them simply

d
by wanting to do so! Smooth muscles [Fig.
6.11(b)] or involuntary muscles control such

he
movements. They are also found in the iris of
the eye, in ureters and in the bronchi of the
lungs. The cells are long with pointed ends
(spindle-shaped) and uninucleate (having a

is
single nucleus). They are also called
Nucleus unstriated muscles – why would they be
called that?

bl
(b) The muscles of the heart show rhythmic
contraction and relaxation throughout life.
These involuntary muscles are called cardiac
pu
muscles [Fig. 6.11(c)]. Heart muscle cells are
Striations
cylindrical, branched and uninucleate.
Compare the structures of different types
be T

of muscular tissues. Note their shape,

number of nuclei and position of nuclei within
re

the cell.
o R

Nuclei

6.3.4 NERVOUS TISSUE

tt E

All cells possess the ability to respond to

stimuli. However, cells of the nervous tissue
C

are highly specialised for being stimulated

and then transmitting the stimulus very
rapidly from one place to another within the
no N

body. The brain, spinal cord and nerves are

(c) all composed of the nervous tissue. The cells
of this tissue are called nerve cells or neurons.
Fig. 6.11: Types of muscles fibres: (a) striated
muscle, (b) smooth muscle, (c) cardiac
A neuron consists of a cell body with a
©

muscle nucleus and cytoplasm, from which long thin

hair-like parts arise (Fig. 6.12). Usually each
We can move some muscles by conscious neuron has a single long part, called the axon,
will. Muscles present in our limbs move when and many short, branched parts called
we want them to, and stop when we so decide. dendrites. An individual nerve cell may be up
Such muscles are called voluntary muscles to a metre long. Many nerve fibres bound
[Fig. 6.11(a)]. These muscles are also called together by connective tissue make up
skeletal muscles as they are mostly attached a nerve.

TISSUES 77
 Nucleus combination of nerve and muscle tissue is
fundamental to most animals. This
Dendrite combination enables animals to move rapidly

Q
in response to stimuli.

Axon
Nerve ending
uestions
1. Name the tissue responsible for
Cell body movement in our body.
2. What does a neuron look like?
Fig. 6.12: Neuron-unit of nervous tissue 3. Give three features of cardiac

d
muscles.
Nerve impulses allow us to move our 4. What are the functions of areolar

he
muscles when we want to. The functional tissue?

What

is
you have

bl
learnt
• Tissue is a group of cells similar in structure and function.
pu
• Plant tissues are of two main types – meristematic and
permanent.
be T

• Meristematic tissue is the dividing tissue present in the growing

regions of the plant.
re
o R

• Permanent tissues are derived from meristematic tissue once

they lose the ability to divide. They are classified as simple and
complex tissues.
tt E

• Parenchyma, collenchyma and sclerenchyma are three types

of simple tissues. Xylem and phloem are types of complex
C

tissues.
• Animal tissues can be epithelial, connective, muscular and
no N

nervous tissue.
• Depending on shape and function, epithelial tissue is classified
as squamous, cuboidal, columnar, ciliated and glandular.
• The different types of connective tissues in our body include
©

areolar tissue, adipose tissue, bone, tendon, ligament, cartilage

and blood.
• Striated, unstriated and cardiac are three types of muscle
tissues.
• Nervous tissue is made of neurons that receive and conduct
impulses.

78 SCIENCE
 Exercises
1. Define the term “tissue”.
2. How many types of elements together make up the xylem tissue?
Name them.
3. How are simple tissues different from complex tissues in plants?
4. Differentiate between parenchyma, collenchyma and
sclerenchyma on the basis of their cell wall.
5. What are the functions of the stomata?

d
6. Diagrammatically show the difference between the three types
of muscle fibres.

he
7. What is the specific function of the cardiac muscle?
8. Differentiate between striated, unstriated and cardiac muscles
on the basis of their structure and site/location in the body.

is
9. Draw a labelled diagram of a neuron.
10. Name the following.
(a) Tissue that forms the inner lining of our mouth.

bl
(b) Tissue that connects muscle to bone in humans.
(c) Tissue that transports food in plants.
pu
(d) Tissue that stores fat in our body.
(e) Connective tissue with a fluid matrix.
be T

(f) Tissue present in the brain.

11. Identify the type of tissue in the following: skin, bark of tree,
re
o R

bone, lining of kidney tubule, vascular bundle.

12. Name the regions in which parenchyma tissue is present.
13. What is the role of epidermis in plants?
tt E

14. How does the cork act as a protective tissue?

15. Complete the table:
C
no N
©

TISSUES 79