Tissues form the foundation of understanding how living organisms are built and function. In CBSE Class 9 Science, this chapter explores how groups of similar cells work together to perform specific functions in plants and animals . This comprehensive guide provides 20 solved MCQs, 20 solved short answer questions, and 15 solved long answer questions to help students excel in their examinations.
📘 Understanding Tissues – Key Concepts
A tissue is a group of similar cells that have a common origin and perform a specific function . In multicellular organisms, cells organise into tissues, tissues into organs, and organs into organ systems—creating a division of labour where each level performs a particular function efficiently .
Types of Tissues
| Plant Tissues | Animal Tissues |
|---|---|
| Meristematic Tissue (Apical, Lateral, Intercalary) | Epithelial Tissue |
| Permanent Tissue (Parenchyma, Collenchyma, Sclerenchyma) | Connective Tissue |
| Complex Tissue (Xylem, Phloem) | Muscular Tissue |
| Nervous Tissue |
Plant vs. Animal Tissues
Plant tissues are mainly concerned with growth, support and transport of materials. Many plant tissues are made up of dead cells because plants require less energy and have a sedentary life cycle. In contrast, animal tissues are specialised for movement, coordination, protection and transportation. Most animal tissues consist of living cells because animals need continuous energy for movement and other activities .
📝 20 Solved MCQs
1. Which of the following statements about meristematic tissue are correct?
(i) Consists of cells that are very active, with dense cytoplasm, thin cellulose walls, and prominent nuclei.
(ii) Lacks vacuoles because they are involved in rapid cell division.
(iii) Is classified into apical, lateral, and intercalary based on their location.
(iv) Is responsible for the permanent shape, size, and function of cells.
(a) (i), (ii), and (iii)
(b) (i), (ii), and (iv)
(c) (ii), (iii), and (iv)
(d) All of the above
Answer: (a) – Meristematic cells have dense cytoplasm, prominent nuclei, and thin walls; they lack vacuoles and are classified by location. They are responsible for growth, not permanent function .
2. The tissue which makes the plant hard and stiff is:
(a) Parenchyma
(b) Collenchyma
(c) Sclerenchyma
(d) Aerenchyma
Answer: (c) – Sclerenchyma cells have thick, lignified walls that provide hardness and stiffness .
3. Lignified or thickened cell wall is a characteristic feature of:
(a) Parenchyma
(b) Collenchyma
(c) Sclerenchyma
(d) Epidermis
Answer: (c) – Lignin deposition thickens sclerenchyma cell walls .
4. Cork cells are made impervious to water and gases by the presence of:
(a) Lignin
(b) Suberin
(c) Cellulose
(d) Pectin
Answer: (b) – Suberin is a waxy, water-resistant substance deposited in cork cell walls .
5. What type of tissue forms the inner lining of the intestine?
(a) Squamous epithelium
(b) Cuboidal epithelium
(c) Columnar epithelium
(d) Stratified epithelium
Answer: (c) – Columnar epithelium lines the digestive tract and is specialised for absorption and secretion .
6. Bones are connected to muscles at the joints by:
(a) Ligaments
(b) Tendons
(c) Cartilage
(d) Adipose tissue
Answer: (b) – Tendons connect muscles to bones; ligaments connect bones to bones .
7. Chloroplasts occur in which of the following cells?
(a) Parenchyma
(b) Collenchyma
(c) Chlorenchyma
(d) Sclerenchyma
Answer: (c) – Chlorenchyma is a type of parenchyma containing chloroplasts, found in green leaves and stems .
8. Which of the following tissues has dead cells?
(a) Parenchyma
(b) Collenchyma
(c) Sclerenchyma
(d) Epidermis
Answer: (c) – Sclerenchyma cells are dead at maturity, with thickened lignified walls providing mechanical strength .
9. Which type of meristematic tissue is responsible for increasing the thickness (girth) of stems and roots?
(a) Apical meristem
(b) Lateral meristem
(c) Intercalary meristem
(d) Permanent tissue
Answer: (b) – Lateral meristems (vascular cambium) increase the diameter of stems and roots .
10. Parenchyma cells containing air cavities are called:
(a) Aerenchyma
(b) Sclerenchyma
(c) Chlorenchyma
(d) Prosenchyma
Answer: (a) – Aerenchyma has large air spaces for buoyancy and gas exchange in aquatic plants .
11. What is the main function of striated muscles?
(a) Involuntary movement of internal organs
(b) Voluntary movement of the body
(c) Pumping blood through the heart
(d) Movement of food in the intestine
Answer: (b) – Striated (skeletal) muscles are under voluntary control and attached to bones .
12. Muscles which are immune to fatigue are:
(a) Unstriped muscles
(b) Cardiac muscles
(c) Jaw muscles
(d) Skeleton muscles
Answer: (b) – Cardiac muscles contract rhythmically throughout life without fatigue .
13. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of meristematic cells?
(a) Thin cell walls
(b) Large vacuoles
(c) Dense cytoplasm
(d) Prominent nucleus
Answer: (b) – Meristematic cells lack vacuoles because they are actively dividing and need immediate food, not storage .
14. The fluid matrix of blood is called:
(a) Cytoplasm
(b) Plasma
(c) Lymph
(d) Serum
Answer: (b) – Plasma is the fluid matrix of blood, a connective tissue .
15. Which tissue provides flexibility to plants?
(a) Parenchyma
(b) Collenchyma
(c) Sclerenchyma
(d) Xylem
Answer: (b) – Collenchyma cells have unevenly thickened walls that provide flexible support to growing parts .
16. The husk of coconut is made of:
(a) Parenchyma
(b) Collenchyma
(c) Sclerenchyma
(d) Aerenchyma
Answer: (c) – Coconut husk contains sclerenchyma cells with thick, lignified walls .
17. Which of the following is a complex permanent tissue?
(a) Parenchyma
(b) Collenchyma
(c) Xylem
(d) Sclerenchyma
Answer: (c) – Xylem is a complex tissue made of more than one type of cell .
18. The outermost layer of cells in plants is called:
(a) Epidermis
(b) Cork
(c) Cuticle
(d) Periderm
Answer: (a) – The epidermis is the outermost protective layer of plant parts .
19. Which tissue transports food from leaves to other parts of the plant?
(a) Xylem
(b) Phloem
(c) Parenchyma
(d) Collenchyma
Answer: (b) – Phloem transports food (sugars) from leaves to other parts .
20. Cardiac muscle cells are:
(a) Voluntary, striated, and multinucleated
(b) Involuntary, striated, and branched
(c) Involuntary, unstriated, and spindle-shaped
(d) Voluntary, unstriated, and uninucleated
Answer: (b) – Cardiac muscles are involuntary, striated, cylindrical, branched, and uninucleated .
📝 20 Solved Short Answer Questions
Q1. Define the term “tissue”.
Answer: A tissue is a group of similar cells that have a common origin and perform a specific function. Examples include blood, phloem, and muscle tissue .
Q2. Why is connective tissue called so?
Answer: Connective tissues connect various body organs. They connect bones to each other, muscles to bones, and bind tissues together. They are therefore called connective tissues .
Q3. What is the function of areolar connective tissue?
Answer: Areolar connective tissue acts as a supporting and packing tissue between organs lying in the body cavity. It also helps in the repair of tissues .
Q4. What are the functions of stomata?
Answer: The functions of stomata are: (i) Gaseous exchange with the atmosphere (carbon dioxide and oxygen), and (ii) Transpiration—the removal of excess water through water vapour .
Q5. What is the specific function of cardiac muscle?
Answer: Cardiac muscles show rhythmic contraction and relaxation throughout life without fatigue. This rhythmic action helps in the pumping function of the heart, circulating blood to all parts of the body .
Q6. Differentiate between tendons and ligaments.
Answer:
| Tendon | Ligament |
|---|---|
| Strong and non-flexible | Elastic and flexible |
| Connects muscle to bone | Connects bone to bone |
| Formed of white fibrous connective tissue | Formed of yellow fibrous connective tissue |
Q7. Where is apical meristem found?
Answer: Apical meristem is found at the growing tips of stems and roots. It is responsible for the increase in length of the plant .
Q8. What are the constituents of phloem?
Answer: Phloem is made up of four types of elements: sieve tubes, companion cells, phloem fibres, and phloem parenchyma .
Q9. How are simple tissues different from complex tissues in plants?
Answer: Simple tissues consist of only one type of cells that work together to perform a common function. Complex tissues are made of more than one type of cells that coordinate to perform a common function .
Q10. Why do meristematic cells lack vacuoles?
Answer: Meristematic cells lack vacuoles because they are actively dividing and require immediate food and energy, not storage. They need food instantly for rapid cell division .
Q11. Which substance is present in adipocytes and how does it help?
Answer: Adipocytes are filled with fat globules. They keep visceral organs in position by forming shock-absorbing cushions around them. Storage of fat also acts as an insulator .
Q12. Differentiate between parenchyma, collenchyma, and sclerenchyma on the basis of their cell wall.
Answer:
| Parenchyma | Collenchyma | Sclerenchyma |
|---|---|---|
| Thin cell walls made of cellulose | Cell walls thickened at corners (pectin) | Very thick cell walls made of lignin |
Q13. Name the type of tissue in: skin, bone, and lining of kidney tubule.
Answer:
Skin: Squamous epithelial tissue
Bone: Connective tissue
Q14. What is the role of epidermis in plants?
Answer: The epidermis is a protective layer for all plant parts. It provides protection against water loss, controls the process of gas exchange, and secretes a waxy, water-resistant layer (cuticle) .
Q15. Why are xylem and phloem called complex tissues?
Answer: Xylem and phloem are called complex tissues because they are made up of more than one type of cell that work together as a single unit to perform a common function .
Q16. What are the characteristics of cork? How are they formed?
Answer: Cork is formed by a strip of secondary meristem (cork cambium) located in the cortex. Cork cells are dead, arranged compactly without intercellular spaces, and have deposition of suberin in their walls, which makes them hard and impermeable, protecting plants from unfavorable conditions and microbial attack .
Q17. Give the function of adipose tissue.
Answer: Adipose tissue stores fats and is found below the skin and between internal organs. It also acts as an insulator and provides shock-absorbing cushions around organs .
Q18. What is the difference between the tissue of the outer layer of the branch of a tree and the outer layer of a young tree stem?
Answer: The outer layer of a tree branch is made up of bark (dead cells), whereas the outer layer of a young tree stem is made up of epidermis (living cells) .
Q19. What are the functions of areolar tissue?
Answer: Areolar tissue fills the space inside the organs, supports internal organs, and helps in the repair of tissues. It is found between skin and muscles, around blood vessels and nerves, and in the bone marrow .
Q20. What does a neuron look like?
Answer: A neuron consists of a cell body with a nucleus and cytoplasm, from which long thin hair-like parts arise. Each neuron has a single long part called the axon and many small, short branched parts called dendrites. An individual nerve cell is called a neuron; it may be up to a metre long .
📝 15 Solved Long Answer Questions
Q1. Describe the structure and function of different types of epithelial tissues.
Answer: Epithelial tissue forms the body surface and lines internal organs like the digestive tract, airways, and blood vessels .
Types of Epithelial Tissue:
Squamous Epithelium: Thin, flat cells forming delicate linings. Found in blood vessels and the inner lining of the mouth. Functions in protection and diffusion.
Cuboidal Epithelium: Cube-shaped cells. Found in kidney tubules and glands. Functions in secretion and absorption.
Columnar Epithelium: Tall, column-like cells. Found in the inner lining of the intestine and stomach. Functions in absorption and secretion. Some have cilia to move particles .
Stratified Epithelium: Multiple layers of cells. Found in the skin. Provides protection against abrasion .
Functions: Protection from injury and toxins, absorption, filtration, secretion, sensory reception, and providing mechanical strength .
Q2. Distinguish between striated, unstriated, and cardiac muscles on the basis of their structure and location.
Answer:
Q3. Explain the different types of simple permanent tissues in plants.
Answer: Simple permanent tissues are made of only one type of cell :
Parenchyma: Living cells with thin cell walls made of cellulose. They form the bulk of the plant body. Functions: Storage of food and water, photosynthesis (chlorenchyma), and buoyancy in aquatic plants (aerenchyma) .
Collenchyma: Living cells with extra cellulose deposition at cell corners, providing support and flexibility. Found in young stems and leaf stalks .
Sclerenchyma: Dead cells with thick lignified cell walls, providing mechanical strength and rigidity. Found in coconut husk and stems .
Q4. Describe the structure and function of xylem and phloem.
Answer:
Xylem (Water-conducting tissue):
Elements: Tracheids, vessels, xylem parenchyma, and xylem fibres .
Function: Conducts water and dissolved minerals from roots to the rest of the plant. Provides mechanical support.
Nature: Dead cells (except parenchyma) form continuous hollow tubes for water transport. Transpiration pull from leaves draws water upward .
Phloem (Food-conducting tissue):
Elements: Sieve tubes, companion cells, phloem fibres, and phloem parenchyma .
Function: Transports food (sugars) from leaves to other parts of the plant .
Nature: Sieve tubes are living cells that transport food; companion cells help in loading and unloading of food.
Q5. Explain the characteristics and importance of meristematic tissues.
Answer: Meristematic tissues are responsible for plant growth. Their cells divide continuously .
Characteristics:
Actively dividing cells
Large nucleus and dense cytoplasm
Thin cell walls
Vacuoles are absent
Types:
Apical meristem: Found at root and shoot tips; increases length .
Intercalary meristem: Found at nodes and leaf bases; helps grasses regrow .
Lateral meristem: Found on sides of stems and roots; increases thickness (girth) .
Importance: Meristems provide cells for growth, repair, and development of new plant organs, allowing plants to grow throughout their lives.
Q6. Give reasons for the following:
(a) Meristematic cells lack vacuoles: Because they are actively dividing and need immediate food, not storage .
(b) Sclerenchyma tissues lack intercellular spaces: Because cells are tightly packed for strength and rigidity .
(c) Pear fruit is crunchy due to lignin: Lignin in sclerenchyma cell walls provides rigidity, making the fruit crunchy .
(d) Tree branches bend in wind: Collenchyma cells have thickened walls that provide flexibility and mechanical support, allowing branches to bend .
(e) Coconut husk removal is hard: Coconut husk contains sclerenchyma cells with thick, lignified walls, making it tough and durable .
Q7. How does the cork act as a protective tissue?
Answer: Cork is formed by a strip of secondary meristem located in the cortex. It forms layers of cells that are dead and arranged in a compact manner without intercellular spaces. They have deposition of suberin in their walls, which is very hard and impermeable. Hence, cork protects plants from:
Q8. Explain how dead xylem cells work with living leaf cells to transport water against gravity.
Answer: The dead xylem cells form continuous hollow tubes that provide a pathway for water movement from roots to leaves. In the leaves, living cells lose water through transpiration. This process creates transpiration pull, which draws water upward through the xylem against gravity. Thus, the dead xylem cells and the living leaf cells work together to maintain the upward movement of water .
Q9. Distinguish between simple and stratified epithelial tissue.
Answer:
Q10. Differentiate between meristematic and permanent tissues in plants.
Answer:
Q11. What is the significance of the division of labour at various levels of organisation in multicellular organisms?
Answer: In multicellular organisms, different cells are specialised to perform specific functions. Similar or dissimilar cells form tissues, different tissues combine to form organs, and organs work together in organ systems. This organisation creates a division of labour where each level performs a particular function efficiently. For example, muscle cells are specialised for movement, muscle tissues form muscles, and muscles work with bones to bring about body movement. Thus, the structure of cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems is closely related to the functions they perform, ensuring efficient functioning of the organism .
Q12. Describe the structure and function of nervous tissue.
Answer: Nervous tissue forms the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. It acts as the body’s communication system .
Structure of Neuron:
Cell body (cyton): Contains the nucleus and cytoplasm
Dendrites: Short, branched parts that receive impulses
Functions:
Transmits messages within the body
Controls and coordinates activities
Helps in thinking, memory, emotions, and reasoning
Q13. Why is a thick cuticle on the outer wall of epidermis advantageous for a desert plant but disadvantageous for an underwater plant?
Answer: A thick cuticle reduces the loss of water through evaporation. This is beneficial for desert plants because water is scarce in their surroundings. However, in underwater plants, a thick cuticle is unnecessary and disadvantageous because water is readily available, and gases can diffuse directly through the plant surface. A thick cuticle may hinder this exchange of gases and materials .
Q14. What are the differences between cartilage and bone?
Answer:
| Feature | Cartilage | Bone |
|---|---|---|
| Matrix | Solid, pliable | Hard, non-pliable |
| Porosity | Non-porous | Porous |
| Cells | Chondrocytes | Osteocytes |
| Matrix composition | Protein and sugars | Calcium and phosphorus salts |
Q15. Write a note on the function and importance of blood as a connective tissue.
Answer: Blood is a fluid connective tissue with a liquid matrix called plasma. It contains red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets .
Functions:
Transports nutrients, gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide), hormones, and waste products
Protects against infections (WBCs)
Maintains body temperature
Clots blood to prevent excessive bleeding (platelets)
Importance: Blood connects all body parts by transporting essential materials, making it a vital connective tissue for survival and functioning.
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