Difference Between Meristematic And Permanent Tissue

A group of cells that perform similar functions are called tissues. Plant tissues have two categories of tissues based on their ability to differentiate and divide. They are Meristematic and Permanent tissues. These tissues are responsible for the development and functioning of the plant.

Table of Contents:

What is Meristematic Tissue?
What is Permanent Tissue?
Difference Between Meristematic and Permanent Tissue
Practice Problems
Frequently Asked Questions

What is Meristematic Tissue?

It is made up of cells that have the capability of dividing actively. It is responsible for the growth of the plants. There are three types of meristematic tissues. They are as follows:

Apical Meristem: It occurs at the tip of the roots and shoots and produces primary tissues. It helps to increase the length of the plant.
Intercalary Meristem: It occurs between matured tissues and is present at the base of leaves of monocot plants. It is responsible for forming stems, branches and flowers.
Lateral Meristem: It contributes to the secondary growth of the plant; thus produces secondary tissues.

What is Permanent Tissue?

It is derived from meristematic tissue that does not have the capability of dividing further after attaining a particular structure and function. It forms the major portion of the plant. It is further divided into simple and complex tissues.

Simple Tissue

It has only one type of cell having a similar structure and function. There are three types of simple tissue. They are as follows:

Parenchyma: It is formed of thin-walled cells made up of cellulose. It is responsible for functions like photosynthesis, secretion and storage.
Collenchyma: It is closely packed by isodiametric cells. The cell walls have a deposition of cellulose and pectin. It gives mechanical support to the plant.
Sclerenchyma: It is formed of dead cells with no protoplasm and a thick, lignified cell wall. It also gives mechanical support to the plant. They have two types of cells- fibres and sclereid.

Complex Tissue

It has more than one type of cell which works together. They are divided into Xylem and Phloem.

Xylem: It is made up of tracheids, vessels, xylem fibres and parenchyma. Its function is to transport water and minerals from roots to other parts of the plants.
Phloem: It is made up of sieve tube elements, companion cells, phloem fibres and parenchyma. Its function is to transport food material from leaves to various parts of the plant.

Difference Between Meristematic and Permanent Tissue

Meristematic Tissue	Permanent Tissue
It has the capability to divide and help the growth of the plant.	It doesn’t have the capability to divide nor contribute to the plant’s growth.
It is composed of undifferentiated stem cells.	It is composed of undivided and differentiated cells.
It includes only simple tissue.	It includes both simple and complex tissues.
The nucleus is present in the cytoplasm.	The nucleus is absent.
The cells are isodiametric.	The cells are pleomorphic.
Cells are compactly arranged with no intercellular spaces.	Cells are loosely arranged in the parenchyma and tightly arranged in the sclerenchyma.
Absence of vacuole in the cytoplasm.	Presence of vacuole in the cytoplasm.
It has only living cells.	It has both living and non-living cells.
It has a very high metabolic rate.	It has a very low metabolic rate.

Practice Problems

Q1. Which of the following is absent in Meristematic Tissue?

A. Vacuole
B. Nucleus
C. Living cells
D. None of the above

Answer: A. Vacuole.

Q2. Parenchyma is made up of_________.

A. Cell wall
B. Simple tissues
C. Cellulose
D. None of the above

Answer: C. cellulose

Explanation: Parenchyma is formed of thin-walled cells made up of cellulose. It is responsible for functions like photosynthesis, secretion and storage.

Q3. Which of the following is formed by dead cells?

A. Parenchyma
B. Collenchyma
C. Sclerenchyma
D. None of the above

Answer: C. Sclerenchyma

Explanation: Sclerenchyma is formed of dead cells with no protoplasm and a thick, lignified cell wall. It also gives mechanical support to the plant. They have two types of cells- fibres and sclereid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What are the three types of tissue systems?
Answer : The three types of tissue systems are the Epidermal Tissue system which comprises epidermal hairs, root hairs, and stomata; the Ground Tissue system comprises simple tissues: parenchyma, collenchyma, and sclerenchyma; the Vascular Tissue system contains vascular bundles that are composed of the xylem and phloem.

Q2. What are two types of root systems?
Answer : The two types of root systems are Monocotyledonous and Dicotyledonous root systems.

Q3. Why are the xylem and phloem kept under complex tissues?
Answer : They are made up of more than one type of cell and perform different functions.