• Engineering and Architecture
  • Management and Business Administration
  • Medicine and Allied Sciences
  • Law
  • Animation and Design
  • Media, Mass Communication and Journalism
  • Finance & Accounts
  • Computer Application and IT
  • Pharmacy
  • Hospitality and Tourism
  • Competition
  • School
  • Study Abroad
  • Arts, Commerce & Sciences
  • Learn
  • Online Courses and Certifications
Ground Tissue System

Ground Tissue System

Irshad AnwarUpdated on 02 Jul 2025, 07:26 PM IST

What Is A Ground Tissue System?

The ground tissue system forms part of plant anatomy by serving as the whole filler between the dermal and vascular tissues. It usually has very important functions in plant growth, storage, and metabolism.

Commonly Asked Questions

Q: What is the ground tissue system in plants?
A:
The ground tissue system is one of the three main tissue systems in plants, alongside the dermal and vascular systems. It comprises all tissues that are neither dermal nor vascular, filling the space between these systems and performing various functions such as photosynthesis, storage, and support.
Q: What is the role of the mesocarp in fruits, and how does it relate to the ground tissue system?
A:
The mesocarp is the middle layer of the fruit wall and is derived from the ground tissue of the ovary. It often becomes fleshy and may store water, sugars, and other nutrients. The cells of the mesocarp can undergo significant modifications during fruit development, contributing to the fruit's texture, flavor, and nutritional content.
Q: What is the role of the hypodermis in the ground tissue system?
A:
The hypodermis is a layer of ground tissue just beneath the epidermis in some plants. It can provide additional protection, support, and sometimes participates in photosynthesis. In roots, it may develop into an exodermis with Casparian strips, regulating water and solute movement.
Q: How does the ground tissue system adapt in plants with parasitic lifestyles?
A:
In parasitic plants, the ground tissue system often shows modifications to support the parasitic lifestyle. For example, in plants like dodder (Cuscuta), specialized structures called haustoria develop from the ground tissue to penetrate the host plant and absorb nutrients.

Structure Of Ground Tissue System

The ground tissue system includes three types of cells: parenchyma, collenchyma, and sclerenchyma.

In general, each of these types of cells is characterised by its unique nature of constitution and functions.

  • Parenchyma: Being the most common type of ground tissue cells, they are thin-walled with large vacuoles, mainly found participating in storage, photosynthesis, and tissue repair.

  • Collenchyma: These cells have cell walls that are irregularly thickened, providing flexible support to young stems and leaves of the plant. It allows growth and movement without limiting the potential expansion of a plant.

  • Sclerenchyma: These are cells with fairly thick, lignified cell walls that provide rigid support for mature plant organs. Sclerenchyma cells are dead at maturity, and their cell walls contribute to providing mechanical strength in the plant.

Commonly Asked Questions

Q: What are the primary cell types found in the ground tissue system?
A:
The main cell types in the ground tissue system are parenchyma, collenchyma, and sclerenchyma. Parenchyma cells are the most common and least specialized, while collenchyma and sclerenchyma provide structural support.
Q: What is the function of resin ducts in the ground tissue system of conifers?
A:
Resin ducts are specialized intercellular spaces lined with secretory cells, found in the ground tissue of many conifers. They produce and store resin, a sticky substance that helps protect the tree against insect attacks and fungal infections.
Q: What is the role of transfer cells in the ground tissue system?
A:
Transfer cells are specialized parenchyma cells with ingrowths in their cell walls, increasing the surface area for transport. In the ground tissue, they often occur near vascular tissues and facilitate the efficient transfer of solutes between different plant tissues.
Q: What is the function of crystal-containing cells in the ground tissue system?
A:
Some cells in the ground tissue system contain crystals, often of calcium oxalate. These crystals may serve several functions, including calcium regulation, protection against herbivores due to their sharp edges, and possibly as a means of sequestering excess oxalic acid.
Q: What is the role of endodermis in the ground tissue system of roots?
A:
The endodermis is the innermost layer of the cortex in roots and is part of the ground tissue system. It forms a selective barrier controlling the movement of water and solutes between the cortex and the vascular cylinder, primarily due to the Casparian strip in its cell walls.

Functions Of The Ground Tissue System

Ground tissue systems accomplish many of the most critical functions in plant growth, development, and maintenance. These involve photosynthesis, storage, mechanical strength, and conductance.

  • Photosynthesis: Parenchyma cells provided with chloroplasts and primarily occurring in the leaves are photosynthetic, transforming light energy into chemical energy.

  • Storage: Ground tissue cells store various substances like starch, oils, and water that act as stored materials for the plant during seasons of need.

  • Mechanical Support: Collenchyma and sclerenchyma cells provide mechanical support that allows a plant to take shape, support weight, and resist bending or breaking forces.

  • Regeneration: Parenchyma cells can undergo division and differentiation to partake in the regeneration and healing processes of plant tissues upon damage.

Commonly Asked Questions

Q: What is the role of mucilage cells in the ground tissue system?
A:
Mucilage cells are specialized cells in the ground tissue that produce and store mucilage, a slimy secretion. This mucilage can serve various functions, including water retention in desert plants, seed dispersal, and protection against pathogens and herbivores.
Q: How does the ground tissue system adapt in plants living in low-light environments?
A:
In shade-adapted plants, the ground tissue in leaves often shows modifications such as a reduced palisade layer and an increased proportion of spongy mesophyll. This adaptation maximizes light capture by increasing internal light scattering within the leaf.
Q: What is the function of pith in the ground tissue system?
A:
Pith, located in the center of stems and sometimes roots, primarily provides structural support through turgor pressure in its parenchyma cells. It can also serve as a storage tissue for water and nutrients, and in some plants, it may break down to form hollow stems.
Q: What is the role of tannin cells in the ground tissue system?
A:
Tannin cells are specialized cells in the ground tissue that produce and store tannins, which are astringent chemical compounds. These compounds play a role in plant defense against herbivores and pathogens, and contribute to the taste of many fruits and vegetables.
Q: What is the function of bundle sheath cells in the ground tissue system?
A:
Bundle sheath cells are specialized parenchyma cells that surround vascular bundles. In C4 plants, they play a crucial role in photosynthesis by concentrating CO2 around RuBisCO. In other plants, they help regulate the movement of substances between the vascular tissue and surrounding cells.

Parenchyma Cells Functions

  • The parenchyma cells are multi-functional.

  • Apart from photosynthesis and storage, they contribute to the repair mechanisms of damaged tissues.

  • On account of its cell division capacity, it can progress to replace the lost or damaged cells, becoming an important process in the recovery process for plants.

Commonly Asked Questions

Q: What role does the ground tissue system play in wound healing in plants?
A:
When a plant is wounded, parenchyma cells in the ground tissue near the wound site can dedifferentiate and divide to form callus tissue. This callus helps to seal the wound and can potentially regenerate new tissues.
Q: How does the ground tissue system adapt in succulent plants?
A:
In succulent plants, the ground tissue system is modified to store large amounts of water. The parenchyma cells in leaves or stems become enlarged and have thin, flexible cell walls that can expand as they fill with water, allowing the plant to survive in arid conditions.
Q: How does the ground tissue system contribute to leaf structure and function?
A:
In leaves, the ground tissue system forms the mesophyll, which is divided into palisade and spongy layers. The palisade layer contains tightly packed chlorenchyma cells for efficient photosynthesis, while the spongy layer has loosely arranged cells with large air spaces for gas exchange.
Q: How does the ground tissue system contribute to plant movement?
A:
Specialized parenchyma cells in the ground tissue can facilitate plant movements through changes in turgor pressure. Examples include the pulvinus in legume leaves for nyctinastic movements and the cells responsible for the closing of Venus flytrap leaves.
Q: How does the ground tissue system contribute to the ripening of fruits?
A:
During fruit ripening, parenchyma cells in the ground tissue undergo changes in cell wall composition and turgor pressure. Enzymes break down cell wall components, softening the fruit. Additionally, these cells often accumulate sugars and pigments, changing the fruit's flavor and color.

Role Of Collenchyma Cells

  • Collenchyma cells provide flexible support, primarily to young stems and petioles.

  • This is because their cell wall is unevenly thickened, enabling them to withstand bending and stretching forces without breaking.

  • Therefore, they play an important role during the growth of young plant parts.

NEET Highest Scoring Chapters & Topics
Know Most Scoring Concepts in NEET 2024 Based on Previous Year Analysis.
Know More

Commonly Asked Questions

Q: What is the function of collenchyma in the ground tissue system?
A:
Collenchyma cells provide mechanical support to growing parts of the plant. They have unevenly thickened cell walls that remain flexible, allowing for continued growth while still offering support to young stems, petioles, and leaf veins.
Q: How does the ground tissue system contribute to the formation of tendrils?
A:
Tendrils are modified stems or leaves used for climbing. The ground tissue in tendrils often shows adaptations such as increased collenchyma for flexibility and touch-sensitive cells that trigger coiling responses when the tendril contacts a support.
Q: How does the ground tissue system contribute to the formation of galls?
A:
Galls are abnormal plant growths usually induced by other organisms. When galls form, cells in the ground tissue often undergo rapid division and expansion. These modified ground tissue cells may develop specialized functions to support the gall-inducing organism or to isolate it from the rest of the plant.

Role Of Sclerenchyma Cells

  • Sclerenchyma cells are known to provide the rigid support that is needed for mature plant structures.

  • On account of their thick, lignified cell walls, they become quite strong and durable enough to carry loads, which come with the weight of the plant, and also to stand against outer pressures.

  • In many instances, it is localised in parts of plants where extra strengthening is required, like seed coats and vascular bundles.

Commonly Asked Questions

Q: How does the ground tissue system provide structural support to plants?
A:
Collenchyma and sclerenchyma cells within the ground tissue system provide mechanical support to plants. Collenchyma cells have thickened cell walls that offer flexibility, while sclerenchyma cells have lignified walls that provide rigidity.
Q: What is the difference between living and non-living cells in the ground tissue system?
A:
The ground tissue system contains both living and non-living cells. Parenchyma and collenchyma cells are typically living at maturity and can perform various metabolic functions. In contrast, mature sclerenchyma cells are usually dead, serving primarily as structural support.
Q: What is the role of stone cells in the ground tissue system?
A:
Stone cells, or sclereids, are a type of sclerenchyma cell found in the ground tissue. They have extremely thick, lignified cell walls and often occur in groups, providing mechanical strength and protection. They contribute to the gritty texture in pears and the hard shells of nuts.
Q: How does the ground tissue system contribute to plant defense mechanisms?
A:
Cells in the ground tissue system can produce and store various defensive compounds, such as tannins, alkaloids, and latex. Additionally, some plants develop sclerenchyma cells with thick, lignified walls as a physical barrier against herbivores and pathogens.
Q: How does the ground tissue system contribute to the formation of thorns?
A:
Thorns are modified stems that develop from axillary or terminal buds. The ground tissue system in thorns is typically composed of densely packed sclerenchyma cells, providing the hardness and sharpness characteristic of these structures.

Ground Tissue In Roots And Stems

  • In roots, ground tissue is involved in the storage and absorption of nutrients.

  • Ground tissue in stems provides structural support and thus helps in the construction of plants.

  • In many cases, ground tissue arrangement is very different between different species and plant parts, clearly revealing diversified functionality.

Commonly Asked Questions

Q: How does the ground tissue system differ in monocots and dicots?
A:
In monocots, the ground tissue is typically not differentiated into distinct regions. In dicots, the ground tissue is often divided into three regions: the cortex (outer layer), pith (central region), and pith rays (connecting cortex and pith through vascular tissue).
Q: What is the difference between cortex and pith in the ground tissue system?
A:
The cortex is the outer region of the ground tissue in stems and roots, located between the epidermis and vascular tissue. The pith is the central region of ground tissue, typically found in stems and sometimes in roots. The cortex is generally involved in storage and photosynthesis, while the pith mainly provides support and storage.
Q: What is the relationship between the ground tissue system and vascular bundles?
A:
The ground tissue system surrounds and separates vascular bundles. In dicot stems, ground tissue forms pith rays that extend between vascular bundles, connecting the pith to the cortex and facilitating lateral transport of substances.
Q: How does the ground tissue system contribute to the formation of lateral roots?
A:
Lateral roots originate from the pericycle, which is the outermost layer of the vascular cylinder. However, the endodermis and cortex (both part of the ground tissue system) play a crucial role by undergoing programmed cell death to allow the emerging lateral root to pass through.
Q: How does the ground tissue system adapt in plants living in aquatic environments?
A:
Aquatic plants often develop extensive aerenchyma tissue within their ground tissue system. This tissue creates large air spaces that provide buoyancy and allow for efficient gas exchange in the oxygen-poor underwater environment.

Role In Metabolic Processes

  • The ground tissue system is also concerned with metabolic processes like respiration and nutrient transport.

  • Although the vascular tissues transport nutrients, the cells of ground tissue can help in the transport of nutrients between vascular tissues and other parts of the plant.

Conclusion

The ground tissue system forms a quite important part of the plant anatomy. It carries out the various functions related to photosynthesis, storage, and mechanical support. Several kinds of cells combine in many ways to provide the plant with the means for proper growth, development, and reaction to environmental factors. Understanding the anatomy and functions of ground tissues allows for an appreciation of just how plants can thrive in so many divergent ecosystems.

Commonly Asked Questions

Q: How does the ground tissue system contribute to photosynthesis?
A:
The ground tissue system, particularly in leaves, contains chlorenchyma (parenchyma cells with chloroplasts) that carry out photosynthesis. These cells are typically located in the mesophyll, which is part of the ground tissue system.
Q: What role does the ground tissue system play in storage?
A:
The ground tissue system often contains specialized storage parenchyma cells that can accumulate and store various substances such as starch, proteins, and lipids. Examples include the flesh of fruits and the internal tissues of tubers.
Q: What is aerenchyma and how does it relate to the ground tissue system?
A:
Aerenchyma is a specialized type of parenchyma tissue with large air spaces. It's part of the ground tissue system and is commonly found in aquatic plants. Aerenchyma helps with buoyancy and allows for efficient gas exchange in waterlogged environments.
Q: What is the role of idioblasts in the ground tissue system?
A:
Idioblasts are specialized cells within the ground tissue that differ in structure and function from surrounding cells. They can contain crystals, oil, or other substances and may play roles in defense, storage, or structural support.
Q: How does the ground tissue system facilitate gas exchange in plants?
A:
The ground tissue system contains intercellular spaces, particularly in leaves and stems, that form a continuous network called the intercellular air space system. This system allows for the diffusion of gases (CO2 and O2) throughout the plant, facilitating photosynthesis and respiration.

Recommended video on Ground Tissue System



Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How does the ground tissue system adapt in plants living in nutrient-poor environments?
A:
In nutrient-poor environments, the ground tissue may develop specialized structures for nutrient acquisition. For example, in carnivorous plants, parts of the ground tissue may form digestive glands to absorb nutrients from trapped insects.
Q: How does the ground tissue system contribute to the formation of nectaries?
A:
Nectaries are specialized structures that produce nectar to attract pollinators. They often develop from modified ground tissue, particularly parenchyma cells, which become specialized for sugar production and secretion.
Q: What is the function of silica cells in the ground tissue system of grasses?
A:
Silica cells are specialized cells in the ground tissue of grasses that accumulate silica. These cells contribute to the structural support of the plant and may also play a role in defense against herbivores and pathogens by making the tissue more abrasive and less digestible.
Q: How does the ground tissue system adapt in plants with symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria?
A:
In legumes, specialized structures called nodules develop on the roots to house nitrogen-fixing bacteria. The ground tissue in these nodules is modified to support the symbiotic relationship, with cells enlarging to accommodate the bacteria and developing specialized functions for nutrient exchange.
Q: What is the role of secretory cavities in the ground tissue system?
A:
Secretory cavities are specialized structures within the ground tissue that produce and store various substances such as essential oils, resins, or mucilage. They play roles in plant defense, attraction of pollinators, and other ecological interactions.
Q: What is the function of bulliform cells in the ground tissue system of grass leaves?
A:
Bulliform cells are large, thin-walled cells found in the upper epidermis and adjacent ground tissue of grass leaves. They play a role in leaf rolling during water stress by changing their turgor pressure, which helps reduce water loss through transpiration.
Q: How does the ground tissue system adapt in plants with mycorrhizal associations?
A:
In plants with mycorrhizal associations, the cortex of roots (part of the ground tissue system) often develops specialized structures to accommodate fungal hyphae. These may include intracellular structures in endomycorrhizae or a Hartig net in ectomycorrhizae, facilitating nutrient exchange between the plant and fungus.
Q: What is the function of motor cells in the ground tissue system of some plants?
A:
Motor cells, also known as bulliform cells in grasses, are specialized large, thin-walled cells in the ground tissue of leaves. They can rapidly change their turgor pressure, causing leaves to fold or roll in response to water stress, thereby reducing water loss through transpiration.
Q: How does the ground tissue system contribute to the formation of prop roots in plants like corn or mangroves?
A:
Prop roots, also known as aerial roots, develop from the stem and grow downwards into the soil. The ground tissue in these roots often contains extensive aerenchyma to facilitate gas exchange. In mangroves, the cortex may also develop specialized structures for salt exclusion or secretion.
Q: How does the ground tissue system adapt in plants living in high-salinity environments?
A:
In halophytes (salt-tolerant plants), cells in the ground tissue system often have specialized vacuoles that can sequester excess salt. Some plants also develop succulent characteristics in their ground tissue to store more water, helping to dilute salt concentrations.
Articles

News and Notifications

Latest updates