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Plant Organ Systems 
Similar cells working together form a tissue in plants, just as they do in animals. When 
different types of tissues collaborate to perform a specific function, they form an organ; organs 

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collaborate to form organ systems. Vascular plants are divided into two organ systems: the shoot 
system and the root system. The shoot system is divided into two parts: vegetative (non-reproductive) 
plant parts such as leaves and stems and reproductive plant parts such as flowers and fruits. The shoot 
system grows above ground, absorbing the light required for photosynthesis. Typically, the root 
system, which supports the plants and absorbs water and minerals, is underground
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(Figure 89). 
Figure 89.
The organ systems of a typical plant 
6.1 Reading #2
: Plant Tissues 
Plants are multicellular eukaryotes that have tissue systems made up of different cell types 
that perform specific functions. Plant tissue systems are classified into two categories: meristematic 
tissue and permanent (or non-meristematic) tissue. Cells of the meristematic tissue are found in 
meristems
, which are plant regions of continuous cell division and growth. 
Meristematic tissue
cells 
are either undifferentiated or incompletely differentiated, and they continue to divide and contribute 
to the growth of the plant. 
Permanent tissue
, on the other hand, is made up of plant cells that are no 
longer actively dividing. 
Meristematic tissues are classified into three types based on their location within the plant. 
Apical meristems
contain meristematic tissue located at the tips of stems and roots, which enable a 
plant to extend in length. 
Lateral meristems
facilitate growth in thickness or girth in a maturing 
plant.