Video Transcript
What is the difference between a simple and a compound tissue in plants? (A) Simple tissues only carry out the basic functions of cell support, whereas
compound tissues carry out complex functions like respiration and
photosynthesis. (B) Simple tissues are only found in the stem of plants, but compound tissues are
found in all parts of the plant. (C) Simple tissues are comprised of one type of cell only, whereas compound tissues
are comprised of more than one type of cell. Or (D) simple tissues are formed of unspecialized cells, but compound tissues are
formed of fully differentiated cells.
A tissue is a group of specialized cells that work together to carry out specific
functions. Plant tissues fall into two major categories: simple and compound. And this question is asking us to identify the difference between them. Simple tissues, sometimes called ground tissues, are composed of cells that are both
structurally and functionally similar. This just means that the majority of cells in a simple tissue will have approximately
the same shape and perform the same job in the plant.
There are three different types of simple tissues: parenchyma, collenchyma, and
sclerenchyma. Simple tissues are located in every part of the plant and have many different
roles. For example, parenchyma cells can be found in the soft fleshy parts of plants, such
as the leaves, where they store nutrients and water, carry out photosynthesis, and
facilitate gas exchange. Most cells within simple tissues are specialized, but some parenchyma cells are
unspecialized and can differentiate to perform various functions.
Compound tissues are composed of multiple cell types that have different roles in the
plant. Xylem and phloem, which are found in the plant’s vascular bundles, are examples of
compound tissues. Xylem tissue contains several different cell types, three of which are shown in the
diagram: xylem vessels, xylem fibers, and xylem parenchyma. Each of these cell types plays a unique part in the transport of water through the
xylem tissue.
Now, let’s take a look at our answer options. We can eliminate answer (A) because the functions of simple tissues are not limited
to basic cell support. Rather, they perform a wide variety of roles, such as photosynthesis, storage, and
gas exchange. We can also rule out choice (B) because simple tissues are found throughout the
entire plant, not just in the stem. Finally, we can eliminate answer (D).
Although there are some simple tissues that contain undifferentiated cells, most are
composed of differentiated cells, which allows the tissue to perform its job. Therefore, the correct answer is (C). The difference between simple and compound tissues is that simple tissues are
comprised of one type of cell only, whereas compound tissues are comprised of more
than one type of cell.
