TISSUES
In-Text Questions & Answers (from the textbook)
1. What is a tissue?
A tissue is a group of structurally and functionally similar cells working together to perform a
particular function.
2. What is the utility of tissues in multicellular organisms?
Tissues provide structural and mechanical strength and enable division of labor within
multicellular organisms.
3. Name the types of simple tissues.
Simple tissues include parenchyma, collenchyma, and sclerenchyma.
4. Where is apical meristem found?
At the growing tips of stems and roots of plants.
5. Which tissue makes up the husk of a coconut?
Sclerenchyma (a type of simple permanent tissue).
6. What are the constituents of phloem?
Phloem comprises sieve tube elements, companion cells, phloem parenchyma, and phloem
fibres.
7. Name the tissue responsible for movement of our body.
Muscular tissue (assisted by nervous tissue).
8. What does a neuron look like?
A neuron has a cell body with nucleus and cytoplasm, with a long axon and many short,
branched dendrites.
9. Give three features of cardiac muscles.
They are cylindrical, striated, branched, involuntary, and typically uninucleate.
10. What are the functions of areolar tissue?
Areolar tissue supports internal organs, fills spaces, is found under skin/muscles, around
vessels and nerves, and aids in tissue repair.
Exercise (Back-of-Chapter) Questions & Answers
1. Define the term “tissue.”
A tissue is a group of structurally and functionally similar cells that collaborate to perform a
specific function.
2. How many types of elements together make up the xylem tissue? Name them.
Xylem consists of four elements: vessels, tracheids, xylem fibres, and xylem parenchyma.
3. How are simple tissues different from complex tissues in plants?
Simple tissues are made of one type of cells and perform a single function.
Complex tissues are made of more than one type of cells working together to perform a
function. (e.g., xylem and phloem)
4. Differentiate between parenchyma, collenchyma, and sclerenchyma on the basis of their cell
wall.
Parenchyma: thin cell walls made of cellulose.
Collenchyma: cell walls thickened at corners due to pectin.
Sclerenchyma: thick, lignified cell walls.
5. What are the functions of the stomata?
Stomata facilitate gas exchange (CO₂, O₂) and transpiration (release of water vapour).
6. Diagrammatically, show the differences between the three types of muscle fibres.
Striated (Skeletal) Muscle: long, cylindrical, multinucleated, voluntary, shows striations.
Smooth (Unstriated) Muscle: spindle-shaped, single nucleus, involuntary, no striations.
Cardiac Muscle: branched, uninucleated, involuntary, striated, interconnected via intercalated
discs.
(For descriptions; Draw diagram )
7. What is the specific function of the cardiac muscle?
Cardiac muscle undergoes rhythmic contraction and relaxation to pump blood continuously
throughout life.
8. Differentiate between striated, un-striated, and cardiac muscles on the basis of structure and
site/location in the body.
(As above, added with locations)
Striated: attached to bones, voluntary
Smooth: in walls of internal organs (e.g. gut, blood vessels), involuntary
Cardiac: in heart, involuntary
9. Draw a labelled diagram of a neuron.
(Suggested: cell body, nucleus, dendrites and axon with labels)
10. Name the following tissues:
a) Tissue that forms the inner lining of our mouth. – Stratified squamous epithelium
b) Tissue that connects muscle to bone. – Tendon (dense connective tissue)
c) Tissue that transports food in plants. – Phloem
d) Tissue that stores fat in our body. – Adipose tissue
e) Connective tissue with a fluid matrix. – Blood
f) Tissue present in the brain. – Nervous tissue
11. Identify the type of tissue in the following:
Skin – Stratified squamous epithelial tissue
Bark of tree – Cork (protective tissue)
Bone – Connective tissue
Lining of kidney tubule – Cuboidal epithelial tissue
Vascular bundle – Complex permanent tissue (xylem and phloem)
12. Name the regions in which parenchyma tissue is present.
Parenchyma is present in cortex, pith, mesophyll of leaves, and softer parts like fruits and roots.
13. What is the role of epidermis in plants?
Epidermis provides protection against water loss, mechanical injury, and pathogen invasion;
also involved in gaseous exchange (via stomata) and absorption in roots.
14. How does cork act as a protective tissue?
Cork consists of dead, compact cells impregnated with suberin, making them impermeable to
water and gases, thus protecting underlying tissues.
