Describe the features of complex tissues …

Complex permanent tissues –

Complex tissues are made of more than one type of cells. All these cells coordinate to perform a common function. Xylem and phloem are examples of such complex tissues. They are both conducting tissues and constitute a vascular bundle.

1. Xylem –

Xylem is a vascular and mechanical tissue. It consists of tracheids, vessels, xylem parenchyma and xylem fibres. Except xylem parenchyma, all xylem elements are dead and bounded by thick lignified walls. Tracheids and vessels are tubular structures which transports water and minerals vertically. The parenchyma stores food and helps in the sideways conduction of water. Fibres are mainly supportive in function.

ii. Phloem –

Phloem contains tubes but performs no mechanical function. Phloem is made up of four types of elements: sieve tubes, companion cells, phloem fibres and the phloem parenchyma. Sieve tubes are tubular cells with perforated walls. Phloem is unlike xylem in that materials can move in both directions in it. Phloem transports food from leaves to other parts of the plant. Except for phloem fibres, phloem cells are living cells.