Plant Tissue (Leaving Cert Biology): Revision Notes

Plant Tissue

There are three main types of plant tissue:

1. Dermal tissue
2. Ground tissue
3. Vascular tissue

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1. Dermal Tissue

• Function: Protects the surface of plants.
• It covers the entire plant, from the roots to the leaves and flowers.

2. Ground Tissue

• Fills the inside of a plant.
• Its function depends on its location.
• Functions include:
  • Food storage (in roots/stems)
  • Photosynthesis (in leaves)

3. Vascular Tissue

• Function: Transports materials around the plant.
• There are two types:
  1. Xylem
  2. Phloem
• Xylem tissue transports water and minerals from the roots to the aerial parts of the plant. Movement in xylem tissue is always upwards.
• Phloem tissue transports food (sugar and nutrients) around the plant. Movement in phloem tissue can be upwards or downwards.

The Leaf

• Dermal Tissue = Epidermal Tissue
• Vascular Tissue = Xylem and Phloem
• Ground Tissue = Mesophyll Tissue
• Stomata: Openings for gas exchange to occur.
• Photosynthesis occurs in the ground tissue, and light must pass through the dermal tissue to reach it. Therefore, the dermal tissue is transparent.