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Rohan says, "A tissue is a group of similar cells performing similar functions." Rajiv argues this is true for simple tissues but a little different for complex tissues. Provide your explanation.
![Question 11 — During the discussion in - Tissues in Action - [Teachoo] - Questions at the end of the chapter](https://cdn.teachoo.com/cc674903-ad33-45c2-8e01-a0cacd7f69b0/simple-tissue-vs-complex-tissue.webp)
Simple tissue
(parenchyma) —
cells all alike
Complex tissue
(xylem) —
many cell types
Vessels,
tracheids,
parenchyma
together
Different cells,
one shared
function
i
Different cells —
one job (transport)
All cells similar —
one job (storage)
View Answer
Rohan's statement fits simple tissues like parenchyma, where all the cells are of one kind doing one job.
Rajiv is right about complex tissues like xylem and phloem. These are made of more than one type of cell (for example, vessels, tracheids and parenchyma in xylem) working together for one overall function, transport. So they are still one tissue, but not all cells are alike.
Is a Tissue Always One Cell Type?
Simple tissue
Parenchyma — all cells of one kind.
↓
Complex tissue
Xylem and phloem — several cell types together.
↓
Both are tissues, so Rajiv’s point stands
