Dermal Tissue


Dermal Tissue: the outer covering of a plant. In a herbaceous plant, the epidermis (single layer of dermal tissue) forms a protective covering over the plant. Periderm can replace the layer of epidermis in a non herbaceous plant. This secondary growth usually forms cork.


Guard Cells and Stoma 


The stoma is found on the underside of the leaf. It is a pore-like opening and permits gas exchange. The guard cells are lined around the stoma and controls the opening and closing of the stoma. 






Trichomes


Trichomes keep the epidermal surface cool and reduces evaporation. Some trichome release toxic substances to repel insects and some are sharp to puncture predators. 


The Venus fly trap uses its leaves to puncture insects.  



Root Hairs


Root hairs increase the surface area by which the the plant can absorb water and nutrients. 





Ground Tissue: This tissue provides support and store starches. Contains parenchyma, collenchyma, and sclerenchyma cells.


Vascular Tissue


Vascular bundle connects the vascular tissue in the roots with the leaves. The vascular bundle is made of the xylem and phloem. The xylem is made up of non-living tracheid cells. Fluid is passed through pits. In the phloem, materials pass through sieve plates. The phloem is made up of living sieve-tube cells.

Plants have been abundant in the Earth for several years. Seed plants first appeared in the fossil record approximately 400 million years ago, while flowering plants appeared in the fossil record approximately 135 million years ago. Over many generations humans developed various uses of plants; food, shelter, medicine, fuel, etc. Plants are significant and vital for our survival.

Issues

Today, we continue to use plants for our various needs. But as we continue to consume, we end up significantly damaging the environment, Through pollution, deforestation, and over consumption, humans are using up more sources on Earth than can be replenished.

Why does this matter?

Ever heard the quote, "If the bee disappears from the surface of the earth, man would have no more than four years to live"? Bees play an important role in pollination. Pollination enables the cycle of fertilization to occur. It is a necessary step for the reproduction of flowering plants. Without pollinators, certain plants won't be able to go through pollination. Fruit, nuts and vegetable crops would be significantly affected by this and food would end up being scarce. Just like humans, animals need plants to sustain life. With food scarce, it will be harder for animals to survive. With less animals and food, it will be harder for humans to survive. And the chain goes on. There is an equilibrium within the ecosystem, it is a cycle that sustains life. Breaking this cycle can cause an ecosystem to be off balance.

Plants are often disregarded in our busy modern world. We begin to interfere with the cycle and destroy the habitats of plants and animals. The damage we've inflicted upon our environment is a current issue and some are trying to accommodate.

What Can I Do?

The little things count. A simple action can go a long way. It is important to be aware about current environmental issues and what you can do to help. Educate yourself and have an understanding of plants and their significance to the environment. This site is for informative purposes, but there are ways to get involve. You can start by clicking the "get involved" section.