Plant tissue

First Concept to Learn: Plant Structure

All plants have three basic organs: roots, stems, and leaves. All three organs consist of protective, vascular and ground tissue. Each of which can be further divided into three basic cell types called parenchyma, schlerenchyma, and colenchyma cells.

Three different cell types make up all of the plant tissues and organs described above. Each of which has a different function that helps the plant survive. Firstly are parenchyma cells, which carry out most of the metabolic functions of the plant. These functions include the synthesis and storage of various organic products, which are food sources for the plant. The second type of cell is the collenchyma cell that functions primarily in support of young parts of the plant shoot. They are living, functioning cells that elongate and grow with the organs they support. Finally, the schlerenchyma cells serve as further support, however these cells are unable to elongate and are only found within non-growing regions of the plant. These cells have thicker cell walls that contain lignin for extra support. Lignin is a polymer found within the cell wall surrounding plant cells giving them the extra support they need. It is a combination of these cells that make up the plant and work together to carry out all its cellular functions.