Difference Between Simple and Compound Tissue

The main difference between simple and compound tissue is that simple tissue is made up of only one type of cells whereas compound tissue is made up of several types of cells. Further, the simple tissue consists of parenchyma, collenchyma, and sclerenchyma while compound tissue consists of xylem and phloem. 

Simple and compound tissue are the two types of tissue that make up the higher plants. Simple tissue occurs in each part of the plant while compound tissue can only be found within the vascular region. Each type of simple and compound tissue have unique functions in the plant.  

Key Areas Covered 

1. What is a Simple Tissue
     – Definition, Types, Function
2. What is a Compound Tissue
     – Definition, Types, Function
3. What are the Similarities Between Simple and Compound Tissue
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Simple and Compound Tissue
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms: Collenchyma, Compound Tissue, Parenchyma, Phloem, Sclerenchyma, Simple Tissue, Xylem 

What is a Simple Tissue 

The simple tissue is a type of plant tissue that consists of only one type of cells. Hence, the simple tissue is homogeneous. All the cells in a simple tissue are unspecialized cells. The three types of simple tissue are parenchyma, collenchyma, and sclerenchyma.  

1. Parenchyma – The most common type of simple tissue is parenchyma. Parenchymal cells occur in the cortex, pericycle, pith, and epidermis. The main function of parenchymal cells is food storage, photosynthesis, and secretion. 
2. Collenchyma – Collenchyma is the simple tissue that occurs in the epidermis. They perform photosynthesis. 
3. Sclerenchyma – Sclerenchyma cells are thick-walled, elongated cells. Since their tapered ends are lignified, they are nonliving cells.  
   

   Figure 1: Sclerenchyma Cells

What is a Compound Tissue  

The compound tissue is a type of plant tissue that consists of several types of cells. The two types of compound tissue are xylem and phloem. The main function of the compound tissues is conduction. Moreover, the cells of the compound tissue have thick cell walls made up of lignin depositions. Therefore, they are nonliving cells. In addition, they provide structural support to the plant. 

1. Xylem – Xylem is responsible for the transportation of water and minerals from roots to the leaves of the plant. The four types of cells in the xylem are vessles, tracheids, xylem fibers, and xylem parenchyma. Vessels and trachieds conduct water and minerals. 
2. Phloem – Phloem is responsible for the transportation of nutrients from leaves to the rest of the plant. The four types of cells in the phloem are sieve cells, companion cells, phloem fibers, and phloem parenchyma.  
   

   Figure 2: Xylem and Phloem

Similarities Between Simple and Compound Tissue 

• Simple and compound tissue are the two main types of tissues found in higher plants. 
• Both are permanent tissues. 
• Each type of tissue performs a unique function within the plant body. 

Difference Between Simple and Compound Tissue 

Definition 

Simple Tissue: A type of plant tissue that consists of only one type of cells

Compound Tissue: A type of plant tissue that consists of several types of cells 

Types of Cells 

Simple Tissue: Consists of only one type of cells 

Compound Tissue: Consists of several types of cells 

Types 

Simple Tissue: Parenchyma, collenchyma, and sclerenchyma 

Compound Tissue: Xylem and phloem 

Found in 

Simple Tissue: All parts of the plant 

Compound Tissue: Concentrated on the vascular parts 

Function 

Simple Tissue: Storage, photosynthesis

Compound Tissue: Conduction of water, transportation of nutrients, and structural support 

Organization 

Simple Tissue: Tightly packed 

Compound Tissue: Scattered 

Living/Nonliving 

Simple Tissue: Living or nonliving cells 

Compound Tissue: Nonliving cells 

Conclusion 

Simple tissue contains only one type of cells throughout the tissue while compound tissue consists of several types of cells. Parenchyma, collenchyma, and sclerenchyma are the three types of simple tissues and xylem and phloem are the compound tissues. Simple tissues perform several functions within plants while the main function of compound tissues is the conduction. 

Reference:

1. “3 Types of Simple Tissues :Parenchyma, Collenchyma and Sclerenchyma.” PublishYourArticles.net – Publish Your Articles Now, 20 June 2015, Available Here
2. “Compound Tissues.” Hafizbaig, 27 July 2012, Available Here

Image Courtesy:

1. “Plant cell type sclerenchyma fibers” By Snowman frosty at en.wikipedia – Own workTransferred from en.wikipedia (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia 
2. “Plant cell types” By Kelvinsong – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia