Anatomy is the study of plant tissues. New plant cells are formed within meristems. There, the cells begin the process of becoming specialized (differentiated) for a particular function. As a result, three categories of plant tissues are formed: dermal, vascular, and ground.
Dermal tissues, which form protective coverings, include the epidermis, which covers all parts of a young plant, and others that develop as a plant matures. The periderm commonly replaces the epidermis and includes tissues found in bark.
Vascular tissues, derived from cambium cells within the meristem, conduct water and dissolved compounds within a plant. They include xylem and phloem.
Ground tissues are the less specialized tissues. Among their functions are storage, support, and photosynthesis. A common type is parynchema.
See also: Morphology, Cytology, Physiology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Economic Botany
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