NCERT Class 11 Biology Biology: Chapter 6 — Anatomy of Flowering Plants
This chapter, "Tissues," from the NCERT Class 11 Biology textbook, introduces the concept of anatomy, the study of internal plant structures. It explains that cells organize into tissues, and tissues into organs, highlighting anatomical differences between monocots and dicots and adaptations to diverse environments. The chapter details the three main tissue systems: epidermal, ground, and vascular. The epidermal tissue system forms the plant's outer covering, including epidermal cells, stomata (regulating transpiration and gas exchange), and appendages like trichomes and hairs. The ground tissue system comprises parenchyma, collenchyma, and sclerenchyma, found in various plant parts like the cortex, pericycle, pith, and medullary rays. In leaves, the ground tissue is called mesophyll. This foundational knowledge is crucial for understanding plant physiology and development within the CBSE curriculum.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | Biology |
| Book | Biology |
| Chapter | Chapter 6 — Anatomy of Flowering Plants |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 4 minutes |
| Word count | 612 |
Learning outcomes
- Define anatomy and its importance in studying plant internal structure.
- Identify and differentiate the three main tissue systems in plants: epidermal, ground, and vascular.
- Describe the components and functions of the epidermal tissue system, including epidermal cells, stomata, and appendages.
- Explain the composition and location of the ground tissue system and its constituent simple tissues.
- Understand the role of stomata and guard cells in regulating transpiration and gaseous exchange.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Anatomy | The study of the internal structure of plants. |
| Tissue | A group of cells with a common origin, structure, and function. |
| Epidermal tissue system | The outermost layer of the plant body, including epidermal cells, stomata, trichomes, and hairs. |
| Stomata | Pores in the epidermis of leaves, surrounded by guard cells, that regulate gas exchange and transpiration. |
| Guard cells | Specialized cells surrounding a stoma that control its opening and closing. |
| Trichomes | Epidermal outgrowths or hairs on the shoot system. |
| Ground tissue system | All tissues except epidermis and vascular bundles, consisting of parenchyma, collenchyma, and sclerenchyma. |
| Parenchyma | A type of simple permanent tissue with living cells, typically found in cortex, pericycle, pith, and medullary rays. |
| Collenchyma | A supporting tissue in plants, consisting of elongated cells with thickened primary walls. |
| Sclerenchyma | A supporting tissue in plants, consisting of cells with thick, lignified secondary walls. |
| Mesophyll | The ground tissue of a leaf, containing chloroplasts for photosynthesis. |
| Cuticle | A waxy layer covering the epidermis of plants, reducing water loss. |
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Practice questions
- What is anatomy in the context of plant biology? Answer: Anatomy is the study of the internal structure of plants.
- Name the three main tissue systems found in plants. Answer: The three main tissue systems are the epidermal tissue system, the ground tissue system, and the vascular tissue system.
- What is the primary function of stomata? Answer: Stomata regulate the process of transpiration and gaseous exchange.
- What are root hairs and what is their function? Answer: Root hairs are unicellular elongations of epidermal cells in roots that help absorb water and minerals from the soil.
- What constitutes the ground tissue system? Answer: The ground tissue system consists of all tissues except the epidermis and vascular bundles, including parenchyma, collenchyma, and sclerenchyma.
Frequently asked questions
What is the definition of anatomy in plants?
Anatomy is the study of the internal structure of plants.
What are the three types of tissue systems in plants?
The three types are the epidermal tissue system, the ground tissue system, and the vascular tissue system.
What is the function of the cuticle?
The cuticle is a waxy layer that prevents water loss from the plant surface.
How do stomata regulate gas exchange?
Stomata are pores that open and close, controlled by guard cells, to allow for the exchange of gases like CO2 and O2.
What is mesophyll?
Mesophyll is the ground tissue in leaves, composed of cells containing chloroplasts for photosynthesis.
Are root hairs unicellular or multicellular?
Root hairs are unicellular elongations of epidermal cells.
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NCERT Class 11 Biology — Biology — Chapter 6 — Anatomy of Flowering Plants. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.