Chapter 3: Tissues in Action
Original notes — ready CBSE (NCERT, English Medium) • Class 9 • Science • Book: Exploration
Chapter 3: Tissues in Action — EG's own notes, in simple words
Book: Exploration (CBSE, Class 9) | Chapter 3 | Medium: English
Diagram (labels are printed on the image): Diagram (labels are printed on the image): A plant stem with a cross-section at its base, showing rings of tissue layers with the conducting centre. A general diagram for study, not a figure copied from the book.
Plant tissues at work — roots taking up water, leaves making food. A general picture about tissues, not a book scene.
What the chapter is about
A tissue is a group of cells that work together to do one job. In a plant, for example, the cells that carry water are grouped into xylem, and the cells that carry food are grouped into phloem. In animals, muscle cells group together to form muscle tissue, which makes movement possible.
Plant tissues are of two main kinds. Meristematic tissue is made of young, dividing cells that help the plant grow. Permanent tissue is made of cells that have stopped dividing and taken up a fixed job, such as protection, support, storage or transport. Xylem carries water upwards, and phloem carries food made in the leaves to all parts of the plant.
Animal tissues include epithelial tissue, which covers and protects surfaces; connective tissue, which joins and supports parts of the body; muscular tissue, which contracts to cause movement; and nervous tissue, which carries messages. Together, tissues form organs, and organs work together in organ systems.
What you should learn
Notice how cells group into tissues, how plant tissues divide into growing and permanent types, and which job each animal tissue performs.
Key Terms
- Tissue — A group of similar cells working together to perform a particular function.
- Meristematic tissue — Plant tissue made of young cells that keep dividing and help the plant grow.
- Xylem — Plant tissue that carries water and minerals from the roots upwards.
- Phloem — Plant tissue that carries food made in the leaves to all parts of the plant.
- Epithelial tissue — Animal tissue that covers body surfaces and lines organs, protecting them.
Remember
- A tissue is a group of cells doing one job together.
- Meristematic tissue grows; permanent tissue has a fixed job.
- Xylem carries water up; phloem carries food to all parts.
- Animal tissues: epithelial, connective, muscular and nervous.
Exam Tip / Common Mistake
Common mistake: mixing up xylem and phloem. Remember: xylem carries water (think 'x' for 'up from roots' is not enough — link xylem with water, phloem with food). In exams, always pair the tissue with the substance it carries.
Chart / Table: Main animal tissues and their jobs
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Epithelial tissue | Covers and protects surfaces |
| Connective tissue | Joins, supports and binds parts together |
| Muscular tissue | Contracts to cause movement |
| Nervous tissue | Carries messages between body parts |
Practice set — try it yourself
- What is a tissue? Give one plant and one animal example.
Hint: Think about groups of cells with one job. - How is meristematic tissue different from permanent tissue?
Hint: Think about dividing cells and fixed jobs. - Which tissue carries water in a plant, and in which direction?
Hint: Think about roots and leaves. - Name the tissue that helps you move your arm.
Hint: Think about contraction. - Why are tissues organised into organs?
Hint: Think about jobs needing several tissues together.
Questions with Answers
- What is a tissue?
A tissue is a group of similar cells that work together to perform a particular function, such as carrying water or causing movement. - What is the difference between xylem and phloem?
Xylem carries water and minerals from the roots upwards to the rest of the plant. Phloem carries food made in the leaves to all parts of the plant. - What is meristematic tissue?
Meristematic tissue is plant tissue made of young, actively dividing cells. It is found in growing regions and helps the plant grow in length and thickness. - Name the four main animal tissues and one job of each.
Epithelial tissue covers and protects surfaces; connective tissue joins and supports body parts; muscular tissue contracts to cause movement; nervous tissue carries messages. - How do tissues, organs and organ systems relate?
Cells form tissues, tissues work together to form organs, and organs work together in organ systems, such as the digestive system.
How to use this page: Read the summary, say the Key Terms in your own words, then try the practice set without looking. Use the Questions with Answers to check yourself afterwards. Ask your teacher or parent to check your answers.