Introduction
Plants, like all living organisms, are made up of cells. A group of similar cells that work together to perform a specific function is called a tissue. In plants, tissues are specially adapted to support growth, provide strength, transport materials, and carry out photosynthesis. The study of plant tissues helps us understand how plants grow, survive, and perform vital life processes.
Plant tissues are broadly classified into Meristematic tissues and Permanent tissues. Meristematic tissues are responsible for the growth of plants, while permanent tissues perform specific functions such as support, storage, protection, and transportation. This chapter forms a foundational concept in Biology and is frequently tested through direct and application-based MCQs in competitive exams like NDA and CDS.
Understanding plant tissues is essential not only for school-level Biology but also for building concepts required in higher-level plant physiology and general science questions.
Core Concept (Brief)
- Meristematic Tissue: Actively dividing cells responsible for plant growth (Apical, Intercalary, Lateral).
- Permanent Tissue:
- Simple Permanent Tissue: Parenchyma, Collenchyma, Sclerenchyma
- Complex Permanent Tissue: Xylem and Phloem
- Functions include support, conduction of water and food, storage, and protection.
Importance for NDA CDS 1 2026 Exam
- Questions are usually NCERT-based and concept-oriented.
- MCQs may test:
- Definitions
- Functions of different tissues
- Differences between meristematic and permanent tissues
- Identification-based questions
- This topic is high-scoring and requires clarity rather than rote learning.
- Frequently asked in Biology sections of General Science for NDA & CDS.
Conclusion
Plant tissue is a fundamental topic that explains how plants are organized at the cellular level to perform various life functions efficiently. By understanding the structure and function of meristematic and permanent tissues, students gain insight into plant growth, strength, and transport systems. This chapter lays the groundwork for more advanced biological concepts and is an important area for scoring well in competitive examinations.
For NDA CDS 1 2026, mastering plant tissues through MCQs helps in improving accuracy, speed, and confidence in the Biology section. A clear conceptual understanding combined with regular practice of objective questions will ensure strong performance in the exam.
