16.1.1 Organisation of Plant Tissues (Q&A)

Short Answer Questions

1. What are the two main types of plant tissues?
   Answer
   Meristematic tissue and permanent tissue.
2. What is the primary function of meristematic tissue?
   Answer
   Meristematic tissue is responsible for plant growth.
3. Where is the apical meristem located?
   Answer
   At the tips of roots and shoots.
4. What type of growth is the lateral meristem responsible for?
   Answer
   Secondary growth, which increases the girth of the plant.
5. What are the three types of permanent tissue?
   Answer
   Epidermal tissue, ground tissue, and vascular tissue.
6. What is the function of epidermal tissue in leaves?
   Answer
   It contains stomata for gaseous exchange.
7. What is the main role of parenchyma cells in plants?
   Answer
   Parenchyma cells are involved in photosynthesis, storage, and metabolic functions.
8. How are collenchyma cells different from sclerenchyma cells?
   Answer
   Collenchyma cells provide flexible support, while sclerenchyma cells provide rigid support and are dead at maturity.
9. What does xylem transport in plants?
   Answer
   Xylem transports water and minerals.
10. What are the two main types of cells in phloem?
    Answer
    Sieve tubes and companion cells.
11. What is primary growth in plants?
    Answer
    Growth that occurs at the apical meristems, increasing the length of the plant.
12. Where does secondary growth occur in plants?
    Answer
    In the lateral meristems, such as the vascular cambium and cork cambium.
13. What is the function of the zone of cell division?
    Answer
    It is where cells actively divide through mitosis.
14. What type of plant completes its life cycle in two growing seasons?
    Answer
    Biennials.
15. What shape is a typical plant growth curve?
    Answer
    Sigmoid or S-shaped.
16. How does light affect plant growth?
    Answer
    Light provides energy for photosynthesis, which is essential for growth.
17. What are the three main zones of cell growth in the apical meristem?
    Answer
    Zone of cell division, zone of cell elongation, and zone of cell differentiation.
18. How does temperature affect plant growth?
    Answer
    Temperature influences enzymatic activity and physiological processes in plants.
19. What role does the cuticle on epidermal tissue play?
    Answer
    It reduces water loss.
20. What is the difference between annuals and perennials?
    Answer
    Annuals complete their life cycle in one growing season, while perennials live for more than two years.

Explanation Questions

1. What is the importance of meristematic tissue in plant growth?
   Answer
   Meristematic tissue contains actively dividing cells that contribute to both primary and secondary growth in plants.
2. How does the structure of parenchyma cells support their function?
   Answer
   Parenchyma cells have thin walls and large vacuoles, making them ideal for photosynthesis, storage, and metabolic activities.
3. Why is secondary growth important for plants?
   Answer
   Secondary growth increases the plant's thickness, providing additional support and enabling the transport of more water and nutrients.
4. How do xylem and phloem differ in their roles?
   Answer
   Xylem transports water and minerals, while phloem transports food (sugars) from the leaves to other parts of the plant.
5. What adaptations help collenchyma cells provide flexible support?
   Answer
   Collenchyma cells have thickened walls, especially at the corners, which allow flexibility while providing support.
6. How do external factors like water and nutrients affect plant growth?
   Answer
   Water and nutrients are essential for photosynthesis, cell expansion, and overall growth, influencing plant health and productivity.
7. Why is the zone of cell differentiation crucial for plant development?
   Answer
   This zone is where cells mature and specialise into different types, such as xylem or phloem, allowing the plant to function properly.
8. How does the life cycle of a biennial plant differ from that of an annual?
   Answer
   Biennials complete their life cycle in two growing seasons, while annuals complete theirs in one.
9. What is the role of lignin in sclerenchyma cells?
   Answer
   Lignin strengthens sclerenchyma cell walls, providing rigid mechanical support.
10. How does sound influence plant growth?
    Answer
    Sound waves can stimulate plant growth by affecting cellular processes and promoting nutrient uptake.