Difference Between Simple Permanent Tissue and Complex Permanent Tissue

Main Difference – Simple Permanent Tissue and Complex Permanent Tissue

Simple permanent tissue and complex permanent tissue are two types of permanent tissues found in higher plants. The third type of permanent tissue is the specialized permanent tissue. Permanent tissues are differentiated from meristematic tissues. Thus, the cells in the permanent tissue have lost its power of dividing. Permanent tissue cells have a definite shape and a form. The main difference between simple permanent tissue and complex permanent tissue is that simple permanent tissue consists of similar types of cells that perform similar functions whereas complex permanent tissue consists of several cells that perform several functions within the tissue.

Key Areas Covered

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

Key Terms: Collenchyma, Complex Permanent Tissue, Parenchyma, Phloem, Sclerenchyma, Simple Permanent Tissue, Xylem

What is Simple Permanent Tissue

Simple permanent tissue is a type of a permanent tissue, which is composed of homogeneous cells with similar functions. Three types of simple permanent tissues are found: parenchyma, collenchyma, and sclerenchyma.

Parenchyma

The most common type of simple permanent tissue is the parenchyma. Parenchyma consists of unspecialized cells, and they can be found in the cortex, pericycle, epidermis, and pith. The main functions of the parenchyma are photosynthesis, food storage, and secretion.

Collenchyma

The collenchyma is a type of simple permanent tissue found below the epidermis. Collenchyma cells are living cells. They consist of a few chloroplasts to carry out photosynthesis.

Figure 1: Collenchyma in Begonia

Sclerenchyma

The sclerenchyma consists of thick-walled and elongated cells. The tapering ends of the sclerenchyma cells are lignified. Therefore, sclerenchyma cells are dead cells that provide structural support to the plant.  

What is Complex Permanent Tissue

The complex permanent tissue is another type of a permanent tissue, which is composed of several cell types that perform diverse functions. The two types of complex permanent tissue are the xylem and phloem.

Xylem

The xylem is the complex permanent tissue that is involved in the conduction of water and minerals from roots to the leaves of the plant. Xylem comprises four cell types; vessels, tracheids, xylem fibers, and xylem parenchyma. Vessels are the tube-like cells with a wide central lumen and lignified walls. The main function of the vessels is to conduct water and minerals. The vessels also provide the structural support. Tracheids are elongated cells with thickly lignified cell walls. Xylem fibers are pointed cells at their ends. Tracheids and xylem fibers also conduct water from roots to leaves and provide structural support. Xylem parenchyma stores fatty acids and starch. The four cell types in xylem are shown in figure 2.

Figure 2: Cell types in xylem
f – Fiber, w. p. – Parenchyma, tr – Tracheid, p. v. – Large pitted vessel, sp. – Spiral vessel

Phloem

The phloem is a type of complex permanent tissue which is involved in the conduction of nutrients from leaves throughout the plant body. The four cell types in the phloem are sieve cells, companion cells, phloem fibers, and phloem parenchyma. Sieve cells are elongated cells, containing sieve plates at the each end. Companion cells are attached to the lateral walls of the sieve cells. Phloem fibers are a type of sclerenchyma cells, which provide structural support to the plant. Phloem parenchyma stores food.  

Figure 3: Plant cell types

Similarities Between Simple Permanent Tissue and Complex Permanent Tissue

• Simple permanent tissue and complex permanent tissue are two types of permanent tissues found in higher plants.
• Both types of permanent tissue types are composed of both living and non-living cells.
• The cells in both types of tissues have similar origins.

Difference Between Simple Permanent Tissue and Complex Permanent Tissue

Definition

Simple Permanent Tissue: Simple permanent tissue is a group of cells with similar origins, structure, and functions.

Complex Permanent Tissue: Complex permanent tissue is a group of cells with several types of cells that have the same origin but diverse functions. However, the cells in a complex tissue work as a unit.

Occurrence

Simple Permanent Tissue: Simple permanent tissue is found in every part of the plant.

Complex Permanent Tissue: Complex permanent tissues are found in the vascular regions of the plant.

Cell Types in the Tissue

Simple Permanent Tissue: Simple permanent tissue is composed of one type of cells.

Complex Permanent Tissue: Complex permanent tissue is composed of several types of cells.

Functions of Cells in the Tissue

Simple Permanent Tissue: All cells in the simple permanent tissue perform the same function.

Complex Permanent Tissue: Different types of cells in the complex permanent tissue perform different targets.

Function

Simple Permanent Tissue: Photosynthesis, food storage, tissue repair, and secretion are the major functions of simple permanent tissue.

Complex Permanent Tissue: Structural support, conduction of water and nutrients, and protection from hydration are major functions of the complex permanent tissue.

Examples

Simple Permanent Tissue: Collenchyma, parenchyma, and sclerenchyma are the three types of simple permanent tissues.

Complex Permanent Tissue: The xylem and phloem are the two types of complex permanent tissues.

Conclusion

Simple permanent tissue and complex permanent tissue are two types of permanent tissues found in higher plants. Simple permanent tissues are composed of the same type of cells that perform the same function. In contrast, complex permanent tissues are composed of several cell types, and each cell type performs a diverse function. Parenchyma, collenchyma, and sclerenchyma are the three types of simple permanent tissues. Xylem and phloem are the two types of complex permanent tissues. The main difference between simple permanent tissue and complex permanent tissue is the type of cells and their functions in the plant body.

Reference:

1.” Types of Simple Permanent Tissue: 3 Types.” Biology Discussion. N.p., 16 Oct. 2015. Web. Available here. 05 Aug. 2017. 
2.”Complex Permanent Tissues.” NextGurukul. N.p., n.d. Web. Available here. 05 Aug. 2017. 

Image Courtesy:

1.” Kollenchym Begonia” By Roland Gromes – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “The Oak (Marshall Ward) Fig 16” By H. Marshall Ward – The Oak: A Popular Introduction to Forest-Botany (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
3. “Plant cell types” De Kelvinsong – Trabajo propio (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia