Describe the different types of plant tissues and their functions.

Plants have various tissues that are specialized for different functions:

Meristematic tissue: Found in the tips of roots and shoots, meristematic tissue is responsible for plant growth. It consists of actively dividing cells.

Simple tissues: These include parenchyma (used for storage and photosynthesis), collenchyma (provides flexible support), and sclerenchyma (provides rigid support).

Vascular tissues: Xylem and phloem make up the vascular system of plants. Xylem transports water and minerals, while phloem transports sugars and other nutrients.

Epidermal tissue: Protects the plant and prevents water loss. It also includes specialized structures like stomata for gas exchange. Each tissue plays an essential role in supporting plant structure, function, and growth.