Tissues in Action

Why do you think that the cell of meristematic tissues lack vacuoles?

Why do you think that a thick cuticle on the outer wall of epidermis is advantageous for a plant living in the desert but disadvantageous for a plant living underwater?

Once water is absorbed by plant roots, it has to travel against gravity through xylem. How do the 'dead' cells of the xylem work together with the living cells of leaves at the top to keep the water moving?

What do you think will happen if there were no stomata in the epidermis of the stem or leaves?

Meristematic tissues divide repeatedly. What property of their cells allows them to do this?

If a plant is unable to transport food from leaves to roots which tissue is malfunctioning?

Which type of joint is involved when you bend your knees and ankles?

Aamrapali observed that a young mango sapling's stem bends flexibly during monsoon winds and does not break. Which tissue is responsible for this flexibility? Predict and provide your explanation of the impact if the existing tissue was replaced by sclerenchyma.

During the discussion in class, Rohan gives a statement that, 'A tissue is a group of similar cells performing similar functions'. But Rajiv counter argues that, 'this is true in case of simple tissues but little different in case of complex tissues'. Provide your explanation in view of the discussion in class.

Coconut husk fibres are used for mats which are tough and fibrous. Which tissue has structural features suitable for providing this strength? Explain why living parenchyma couldn't serve the same purpose.

Vibha claims to her friend Neha that, 'Meristematic cells are located only at the root and shoot apices'. What do you think about this statement? What question can Neha ask Vibha to help her understand further if the statement is incorrect?

A plant cell and an animal cell are of the same size.

A textbook states, 'Each plant tissue performs only one specific function'. What questions would you ask to critically examine the correctness of this statement? What examples of tissues would you take to find out the answers to these questions?

Visit a doctor and find out what happens in ligament rupture, cartilage rupture and fracture of bones. How can we reduce the risk by changing our lifestyle and nutritional balance?

Reflect on any of the physical practices you are familiar with, such as yoga, kabaddi, etc. How would it support bone and muscle health?

Reflect on any gardening methods you know, such as pruning, grafting, irrigation or crop rotation. How does each practice support the healthy functioning of plant tissues like meristems, conducting tissues or supporting tissues?

Turn a nature walk into a research project.

Study various dance forms of different tribal communities across the country. Each student learn and experience at least five steps. Observe the joint movements involved in performing these steps and then develop a dance or drama on the concept of joint movements. Perform this at the school's annual function so that students from different grades can learn from it.

Will it be possible to obtain a complete animal from an animal cell like plants? If yes, what would be the advantages and challenges of this development?