Tissues in Science

Tissues are groups of similar cells that perform a common function. In multicellular organisms, tissues help in the division of labor and improve efficiency.

Plant tissues are of two main types:

• Meristematic tissues – made of actively dividing cells, found in growing parts like root and shoot tips.
• Permanent tissues – made of mature cells that have lost the ability to divide. These include:
  • Simple tissues (parenchyma, collenchyma, sclerenchyma)
  • Complex tissues (xylem and phloem) for transport.

Animal tissues are of four main types:

• Epithelial tissue – covers body surfaces and organs
• Connective tissue – connects and supports body parts (e.g., blood, bone, cartilage)
• Muscular tissue – helps in movement (skeletal, smooth, cardiac)
• Nervous tissue – transmits signals between body and brain

Tissues make the body function smoothly and allow specialized cells to perform specific roles.