What Are the Tissues and Cell Types of Plants?
(Figure 17-3) A. Dermal tissue covers the outer surfaces of the plant body 1. Epidermis single layer of cells that covers leaves, stems, and roots of all young plants (Figure 17-4) a. Secretes cuticle (waxy, waterproof material) on above ground parts of a plant; conserves water b. Replaced on roots and stems of woody plants by tissue composed primarily of cork cells B. Ground tissue forms the bulk of the young plant body and includes all nondermal and nonvascular tissues; depending on location, functions in support, photosynthesis, storage of sugars and starches, or secretion of hormones (Figure 17-3) C. Vascular tissue (veins) – transports materials throughout plant body and provides support; composed of xylem and phloem 1. Xylem transports water and minerals from roots to shoots composed of tracheids and vessel elements (Figure 17-5) a. Tracheids thin, tube-like cells, overlapping slanted ends with pits; dead at maturity b. Vessel elements larger diameter, tube-like, perforated at ad
