Plant Tissues

Plant tissue refers to groups of cells in plants that work together to perform specific functions. These tissues are organised to support the plant’s growth, transport nutrients, provide strength, and facilitate reproduction.

Plant tissues are broadly classified into two types: meristematic tissue, which is responsible for growth, and permanent tissue, which specialises in support, storage, and transport. Meristematic tissues are found in the growing regions of the plant, such as the tips of roots and shoots, while permanent tissues include structures like xylem and phloem that help in the transport of water and nutrients. This organisation ensures plants grow, stay upright, and function effectively in their environment.

1. Aim: To observe the effect of cutting the roots on the growth of onion roots.

2. Requirements: Two gas jars labelled as Flask A and Flask B, two onions, water, and a scale for measurement.

3. Procedure

• Place one onion on each gas jar so that the base of the onion (roots) is dipped in water.
• Measure and record the initial length of the roots of both onions on Day 1.
• Continue measuring and recording the length of the roots daily for three days.
• On Day 4, cut off 1 cm from the roots of the onion in Flask B.
• Measure and record the length of the roots of both onions (Flask A and Flask B) for the next five days.
• Record all measurements in a table.

Changes in roots of onion

4. Observations

5. Conclusion

• The onion in Flask A has longer roots because its roots were not cut, allowing uninterrupted growth.
• The roots in Flask B stopped growing because the meristematic tissue at the root tips, responsible for growth, was removed during the cutting process. Without these tissues, further cell division and growth were hindered.