MP Board · Class 9 · Science · TissuesCompare Meristematic Tissue and Permanent Tissue in plants based on cell division capability, vacuole presence, cell wall thickness, and metabolic activity.

Plant tissues are broadly classified into Meristematic Tissues and Permanent Tissues based on their developmental stage and dividing capacity:

1. Cell Division Capability: Meristematic cells are actively dividing cells that continuously add new cells to the plant body. Permanent cells are derived from meristematic tissue but have lost the ability to divide and have attained a permanent shape, size, and function.
2. Vacuoles: Meristematic cells lack vacuoles because they are continuously dividing and do not need matrix storage. Permanent cells usually possess large central vacuoles for storing food and maintaining cell turgidity.
3. Cell Wall: Meristematic cells have thin, elastic primary cell walls made purely of cellulose. Permanent cells have cell walls that may be thin or heavily thickened with lignin, suberin, or pectin.
4. Metabolic Activity: Meristematic cells show exceptionally high metabolic rate with dense cytoplasm and prominent nuclei. Permanent cells show lower metabolic activity tailored strictly to specialized roles like transport or support.