Why are xylem and phloem called complex | Class 11 Biology Chapter Anatomy of Flowering Plants, Anatomy of Flowering Plants NCERT Solutions

Current NCERT chapter

Academic session 2026-27, Chapter 6 in the current curriculum.

Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology - Chapter Anatomy of Flowering Plants. This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Exercise 1, Question 7: Why are xylem and phloem called complex tissues?. With detailed answers and explanations for each chapter, students can strengthen their understanding and prepare confidently for exams. Ideal for CBSE and other board students, this resource will simplify your study experience.

Question 7: Why are xylem and phloem called complex tissues?
Answer:

Xylem and phloem are known as complex tissues as they are made up of more than one type of cells. These cells work in a coordinated manner, as a unit, to perform the various functions of the xylem and phloem.

Xylem helps in conducting water and minerals. It also provides mechanical support to plants. It is made up of the following components:

• Tracheids (xylem vessels and xylem tracheids)

• Xylem parenchyma

• Xylem fibres

Tracheids are elongated, thick-walled dead cells with tapering ends. Vessels are long, tubular, and cylindrical structures formed from the vessel members, with each having lignified walls and large central cavities. Both tracheids and vessels lack protoplasm. Xylem fibres consist of thick walls with an almost insignificant lumen. They help in providing mechanical support to the plant. Xylem parenchyma is made up of thin-walled parenchymatous cells that help in the storage of food materials and in the radial conduction of water.

Phloem helps in conducting food materials. It is composed of:

• Sieve tube elements

• Companion cells

• Phloem parenchyma

• Phloem fibres

Sieve tube elements are tube-like elongated structures associated with companion cells. The end walls of sieve tube elements are perforated to form the sieve plate. Sieve tube elements are living cells containing cytoplasm and nucleus. Companion cells are parenchymatous in nature. They help in maintaining the pressure gradient in the sieve tube elements. Phloem parenchyma helps in the storage of food and is made up of long tapering cells, with a dense cytoplasm. Phloem fibres are made up of elongated sclerenchymatous cells with thick cell walls.


Study Tips for Answering NCERT Questions:

NCERT questions are designed to test your understanding of the concepts and theories discussed in the chapter. Here are some tips to help you answer NCERT questions effectively:

  • Read the question carefully and focus on the core concept being asked.
  • Reference examples and data from the chapter when answering questions about Anatomy of Flowering Plants.
  • Review previous year question papers to get an idea of how such questions may be framed in exams.
  • Practice answering questions within the time limit to improve your speed and accuracy.
  • Discuss your answers with your teachers or peers to get feedback and improve your understanding.

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Comments

  • Manash gogoi
  • Nov 12, 2019

Thnq


  • aj
  • Apr 07, 2019

thank


  • Akashgaur
  • Feb 15, 2019

Thanks sir


  • Virat koli
  • Jun 13, 2017

Good Think


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Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology - Chapter . This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Excercise 1 , Question 7: Why are xylem and phloem called complex tissues?....

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