AQA · GCSE · Biology
Course version: 8461 · Version from Sept 2018
Plant tissues include: • epidermal tissues • palisade mesophyll • spongy…
Full specification wording
Plant tissues: Plant tissues include: • epidermal tissues • palisade mesophyll • spongy mesophyll • xylem and phloem • meristem tissue found at the growing tips of shoots and roots.
A plant tissue is a group of similar cells adapted to carry out a particular function.
Checked against the AQA 8461 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 2 of 3
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
A plant tissue is a group of similar cells adapted to carry out a particular function. Epidermal tissue covers plant surfaces and protects them; in leaves it also bears stomata and a waxy cuticle. Palisade mesophyll lies near the upper leaf surface and is packed with chloroplasts for photosynthesis. Spongy mesophyll has loosely arranged cells with air spaces that let gases diffuse through the leaf. Xylem transports water and mineral ions upward and supports the plant, while phloem translocates dissolved sugars. Meristem tissue is found at the growing tips of shoots and roots, where unspecialised cells divide to produce new growth. Recognising each tissue's location and role allows you to explain how a leaf or root carries out its functions.
What earns the marks
- Epidermal tissue forms a protective outer layer and, in leaves, secretes a waxy cuticle that limits water loss.
- Palisade mesophyll is a photosynthetic tissue containing many chloroplasts and positioned near the upper leaf surface.
- Spongy mesophyll contains loosely packed cells with air spaces that allow carbon dioxide and oxygen to diffuse within the leaf.
- Xylem is a transport tissue that carries water and mineral ions from the roots upward and provides structural support.
- Phloem is a transport tissue that translocates dissolved sugars from sources to sinks.
- Meristem tissue occurs at the growing tips of shoots and roots and contains cells that divide to produce new cells.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Confusing xylem and phloem.
Put it right: Remember that xylem carries water and mineral ions while phloem carries dissolved sugars.
Placing meristem tissue throughout the whole plant.
Put it right: It is found at the growing tips of shoots and roots.
Describing spongy mesophyll as tightly packed.
Put it right: Its cells are loosely arranged with air spaces between them.
Exam tips
- Learn each tissue with its location and one key function so you can answer identification and explanation questions.
- If asked to name tissues in a diagram, use the exact terms from the specification rather than everyday words.
- For extended answers, group tissues by role, such as transport, photosynthesis and growth, to keep your response organised.
Try the lesson
The start of the Plant tissues: Plant tissues include: • epidermal tissues • palisade mesophyll • spongy mesophyll • xylem and phloem • meristem tissue found at the growing tips of shoots and roots. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which plant tissue covers the outer surface of a leaf and helps reduce water loss?
Listen
A plant tissue is a group of similar cells adapted to carry out a particular function. Epidermal tissue covers plant surfaces and protects them; in leaves it also bears stomata and a waxy cuticle. Palisade mesophyll lies near the upper leaf surface and is packed with chloroplasts for photosynthesis. Spongy mesophyll has loosely arranged cells with air spaces that let gases diffuse through the leaf. Xylem transports water and mineral ions upward and supports the plant, while phloem translocates dissolved sugars. Meristem tissue is found at the growing tips of shoots and roots, where unspecialised cells divide to produce new growth. Recognising each tissue's location and role allows you to explain how a leaf or root carries out its functions. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Epidermal tissue forms a protective outer layer and, in leaves, secretes a waxy cuticle that limits water loss. Palisade mesophyll is a photosynthetic tissue containing many chloroplasts and positioned near the upper leaf surface. Spongy mesophyll contains loosely packed cells with air spaces that allow carbon dioxide and oxygen to diffuse within the leaf. Xylem is a transport tissue that carries water and mineral ions from the roots upward and provides structural support. A common slip: Confusing xylem and phloem. Instead, remember that xylem carries water and mineral ions while phloem carries dissolved sugars. Exam tip: Learn each tissue with its location and one key function so you can answer identification and explanation questions.
See it
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Epidermal tissue
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Palisade mesophyll
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Spongy mesophyll
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Meristem tissue
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Epidermal tissue
- Covers plant surfaces and protects them; in leaves it also bears stomata and a waxy cuticle.
- Palisade mesophyll
- Lies near the upper leaf surface and is packed with chloroplasts for photosynthesis.
- Spongy mesophyll
- Has loosely arranged cells with air spaces that let gases diffuse through the leaf.
- Meristem tissue
- Found at the growing tips of shoots and roots, where unspecialised cells divide to produce new growth.
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
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