CBSETUTOR.aiCBSETUTOR.ai
India's #1 AI Tutormcq · Biology · Chapter 6

CBSE Class 9 Biology Chapter 6 Tissues — 20 MCQs with Answers

Chapter 6 Tissues bridges the gap between cells and organs, explaining how groups of similar cells unite to perform specialised functions in plants and animals. This page contains 20 NCERT-aligned multiple-choice questions covering meristematic and permanent plant tissues, the structure and function of xylem and phloem, and all four animal tissue types. Each question is followed by the correct answer and a concise explanation. Perfect for quick revision before your CBSE Class 9 Biology term exam or periodic test.

Your child's private AI tutor — trained on NCERT.
3-day free trial · ₹1 to start · Cancel anytime.
Start 3-day free trial →

Key takeaways

  • ✓Meristematic tissues are actively dividing plant cells found at root and shoot tips (apical), along stem sides (lateral), and between permanent tissues (intercalary).
  • ✓Permanent plant tissues include epidermis (protection), parenchyma (storage, photosynthesis), collenchyma (flexible support), sclerenchyma (rigid support), xylem (water transport), and phloem (food transport).
  • ✓Xylem is made of dead cells (tracheids, vessels) and conducts water upwards, while phloem has living sieve tube elements and companion cells that transport sugars.
  • ✓Animal tissues are classified into epithelial (covering and lining), connective (support, binding), muscular (movement), and nervous (signalling).
  • ✓Epithelial tissues are avascular, tightly packed, and classified by shape: squamous (flat), cuboidal (cube), columnar (tall and rectangular).
  • ✓Connective tissues have abundant extracellular matrix and include loose areolar, dense (tendons, ligaments), adipose (fat), cartilage, bone, and blood.
  • ✓Assertion-reason MCQs test your ability to link cause and effect; both statements may be true but not necessarily related.

Plant Tissues: Meristematic and Permanent

Plant tissues are first divided into meristematic (actively dividing) and permanent (non-dividing, specialised) types. Meristematic tissues are found at growth zones—root and shoot tips (apical meristem), along the sides of stems and roots (lateral meristem in woody plants), and between permanent tissues like the base of grass leaves (intercalary meristem). Once meristematic cells stop dividing, they differentiate into permanent tissues such as parenchyma, collenchyma, sclerenchyma, xylem, and phloem. Understanding this classification is crucial because many CBSE Class 9 Biology chapter 6 quiz questions test your ability to identify tissue type by location or function.
  • **MCQ 1:** Apical meristem is found in which part of the plant? (A) Base of internodes (B) Tips of roots and shoots (C) Sides of stems (D) In mature leaves | **Answer: (B) Tips of roots and shoots** — Apical meristem drives primary growth in length.
  • **MCQ 2:** Which tissue helps grass regrow after being cut? (A) Apical meristem (B) Lateral meristem (C) Intercalary meristem (D) Permanent tissue | **Answer: (C) Intercalary meristem** — Found at the base of leaves and internodes in grasses, enabling regrowth.
  • **MCQ 3:** Meristematic cells are characterized by: (A) Large vacuoles and thin walls (B) Thick walls and no nucleus (C) Small size, thin walls, dense cytoplasm (D) Dead protoplasm | **Answer: (C) Small size, thin walls, dense cytoplasm** — These features enable rapid cell division.
  • **MCQ 4 (HOTS):** A gardener cuts the top shoot of a plant and notices side branches growing rapidly. Which meristem was removed? (A) Lateral (B) Intercalary (C) Apical (D) Secondary | **Answer: (C) Apical** — Removing apical meristem releases lateral buds from apical dominance, promoting side branching.

Simple Permanent Tissues: Parenchyma, Collenchyma, Sclerenchyma

Simple permanent tissues are made of one cell type and include parenchyma (thin-walled, living, multi-functional cells for storage and photosynthesis), collenchyma (unevenly thickened walls at corners, living, provides flexible support), and sclerenchyma (thick lignified walls, dead at maturity, provides rigid support). Parenchyma is the most abundant, found in leaf mesophyll, fruit flesh, and stem pith. Collenchyma is just beneath the epidermis in herbaceous stems, giving strength without brittleness. Sclerenchyma forms hard seed coats, nut shells, and coconut fiber. NCERT Class 9 Biology MCQ on Tissues often ask you to match tissue to function or structure.
  • **MCQ 5:** Which tissue provides flexible mechanical support in young stems? (A) Parenchyma (B) Collenchyma (C) Sclerenchyma (D) Xylem | **Answer: (B) Collenchyma** — Unevenly thickened cell walls allow bending without breaking.
  • **MCQ 6:** Sclerenchyma cells at maturity are: (A) Living with thin walls (B) Living with thick walls (C) Dead with thick lignified walls (D) Dead with no walls | **Answer: (C) Dead with thick lignified walls** — Lignin makes them rigid and waterproof; the protoplasm dies.
  • **MCQ 7:** Chlorenchyma is a type of: (A) Sclerenchyma (B) Collenchyma (C) Parenchyma (D) Meristem | **Answer: (C) Parenchyma** — Parenchyma containing chloroplasts for photosynthesis is called chlorenchyma.
  • **MCQ 8 (Assertion-Reason):** Assertion (A): Parenchyma can divide and repair wounds. Reason (R): Parenchyma cells remain living at maturity. (A) Both A and R true; R explains A (B) Both true; R does not explain A (C) A true, R false (D) A false, R true | **Answer: (A) Both A and R true; R explains A** — Living cells retain the ability to divide under stress.

Complex Permanent Tissues: Xylem and Phloem

Xylem and phloem are complex permanent tissues (made of multiple cell types) that form the vascular system. Xylem transports water and dissolved minerals unidirectionally from roots to leaves, using dead cells called tracheids and vessel elements that create hollow tubes. It also provides mechanical support. Phloem transports organic nutrients (mainly sucrose) bidirectionally from photosynthetic leaves to all parts of the plant. Phloem is made of living sieve tube elements (with perforated end walls) and companion cells (which supply energy). Many Class 9 Biology Tissues multiple choice questions test your ability to distinguish xylem from phloem by structure, function, or cell types.
  • **MCQ 9:** Which tissue transports water in plants? (A) Phloem (B) Xylem (C) Parenchyma (D) Collenchyma | **Answer: (B) Xylem** — Tracheids and vessels conduct water upward from roots.
  • **MCQ 10:** Sieve tube elements are part of: (A) Xylem (B) Phloem (C) Epidermis (D) Sclerenchyma | **Answer: (B) Phloem** — Sieve tubes transport sugars; companion cells support them.
  • **MCQ 11:** Xylem vessels at maturity are: (A) Living and thin-walled (B) Living and thick-walled (C) Dead and hollow (D) Dead and filled with cytoplasm | **Answer: (C) Dead and hollow** — This allows efficient water flow without obstruction.
  • **MCQ 12 (HOTS):** A plant stem is placed in water with red dye. After a few hours, red streaks appear in the stem. Which tissue is responsible? (A) Phloem (B) Epidermis (C) Xylem (D) Parenchyma | **Answer: (C) Xylem** — Water (and dye) moves upward through xylem vessels.

Animal Tissues: Epithelial Tissue Structure and Types

Epithelial tissues form continuous sheets covering body surfaces (skin) and lining internal cavities (digestive tract, respiratory tract, blood vessels). Cells are tightly packed with minimal extracellular material, avascular (no blood vessels), and have one free surface. They are classified by shape: squamous (flat, for diffusion—found in alveoli and blood vessels), cuboidal (cube-shaped, in glands and kidney tubules for secretion and absorption), and columnar (tall, in intestines for absorption, often with microvilli or cilia). Stratified epithelium has multiple layers for added protection, as in skin. CBSE Class 9 Biology chapter 6 quiz questions often ask you to identify tissue type from function or location.
  • **MCQ 13:** Which epithelial tissue lines the inner surface of blood vessels? (A) Cuboidal (B) Columnar (C) Squamous (D) Stratified squamous | **Answer: (C) Squamous** — Thin, flat cells reduce diffusion distance for oxygen and nutrients.
  • **MCQ 14:** Epithelial tissue that has multiple layers of cells is called: (A) Simple squamous (B) Stratified epithelium (C) Cuboidal (D) Ciliated columnar | **Answer: (B) Stratified epithelium** — Multiple layers provide protection, e.g., in skin.
  • **MCQ 15:** The inner lining of the small intestine is made of: (A) Squamous epithelium (B) Cuboidal epithelium (C) Columnar epithelium (D) Stratified epithelium | **Answer: (C) Columnar epithelium** — Tall cells with microvilli increase surface area for nutrient absorption.

Animal Tissues: Connective Tissue Varieties

Connective tissues bind, support, and protect other tissues and organs. Unlike epithelium, they have abundant extracellular matrix and are vascular. Types include loose areolar tissue (packing material under skin and around organs), dense connective tissue (tendons connecting muscle to bone, ligaments connecting bone to bone—both rich in collagen fibers), adipose tissue (fat storage, insulation, cushioning), cartilage (flexible support in nose, ear, joints), bone (rigid support and protection, mineralized matrix), and blood (fluid matrix transporting nutrients, gases, and waste). Connective tissue MCQs in Tissues important questions Class 9 often test matrix composition or specific function.
  • **MCQ 16:** Which connective tissue connects muscle to bone? (A) Ligament (B) Tendon (C) Cartilage (D) Areolar tissue | **Answer: (B) Tendon** — Dense connective tissue with parallel collagen fibers for strength.
  • **MCQ 17:** The matrix of bone is hardened by: (A) Lipids (B) Proteins (C) Calcium and phosphorus salts (D) Water | **Answer: (C) Calcium and phosphorus salts** — Mineralization gives bone rigidity.
  • **MCQ 18:** Which tissue stores fat and provides insulation? (A) Areolar (B) Adipose (C) Cartilage (D) Blood | **Answer: (B) Adipose** — Fat cells (adipocytes) fill with lipid droplets.
  • **MCQ 19 (Assertion-Reason):** Assertion (A): Blood is a connective tissue. Reason (R): Blood has a fluid matrix called plasma. (A) Both A and R true; R explains A (B) Both true; R does not explain A (C) A true, R false (D) A false, R true | **Answer: (A) Both A and R true; R explains A** — The fluid extracellular matrix (plasma) and transport function classify blood as connective tissue.

Muscular and Nervous Tissues

Muscular tissue is specialised for contraction and movement. Three types exist: striated (skeletal) muscle attached to bones, voluntary control, with striations (bands) under the microscope; smooth (visceral) muscle in internal organs like the stomach and intestines, involuntary, spindle-shaped cells; cardiac muscle in the heart, involuntary, striated, branched cells with intercalated discs for coordinated contraction. Nervous tissue is made of neurons (nerve cells that transmit electrical impulses) and neuroglia (support cells). Neurons have a cell body, dendrites (receive signals), and a long axon (transmits signals). Together, muscular and nervous tissues enable rapid response to stimuli. Many NCERT Class 9 Biology MCQ ask you to match muscle type to location or control.
  • **MCQ 20:** Which muscle type is found in the walls of the alimentary canal? (A) Striated (B) Cardiac (C) Smooth (D) Skeletal | **Answer: (C) Smooth** — Involuntary, spindle-shaped cells control peristalsis.
  • **MCQ 21:** Cardiac muscle is: (A) Voluntary and non-striated (B) Involuntary and striated (C) Voluntary and striated (D) Involuntary and smooth | **Answer: (B) Involuntary and striated** — Heart muscle contracts rhythmically without conscious control.
  • **MCQ 22:** The functional unit of the nervous system is: (A) Nephron (B) Neuron (C) Axon (D) Synapse | **Answer: (B) Neuron** — Neurons transmit electrical impulses.
  • **MCQ 23 (HOTS):** A tissue shows branched cells with striations and intercalated discs. Identify it. (A) Skeletal muscle (B) Smooth muscle (C) Cardiac muscle (D) Nervous tissue | **Answer: (C) Cardiac muscle** — Branching and intercalated discs are unique to heart muscle.

How to Attempt MCQs in the CBSE Class 9 Biology Paper

Most CBSE Class 9 Biology papers carry 2–3 marks for MCQs in the objective section, often 5–10 questions in total. Speed and accuracy matter because there is no negative marking in CBSE, but time lost on hard MCQs can cost you marks in long-answer sections. Start by reading the question stem carefully and underlining keywords (e.g., 'apical', 'transport', 'involuntary'). Eliminate obviously wrong options first—often two choices are clearly incorrect. For assertion-reason questions, evaluate each statement independently, then check if the reason explains the assertion. If stuck, make an educated guess rather than leaving it blank. Revise NCERT diagrams—many MCQs test figure-based recognition of tissue types. Practice 15–20 MCQs daily in the week before exams to build pattern recognition and speed.
  • Read the question twice if it involves technical terms like 'lignified' or 'sieve tube'; CBSE uses exact NCERT language.
  • For diagram-based MCQs, recall the NCERT figure first—texture (striations, branching), shape (flat, cuboidal, spindle), or presence of nucleus.
  • In assertion-reason MCQs, mark (A) only if the reason is a valid scientific cause of the assertion, not just a related fact.
  • Time each MCQ at 20–30 seconds maximum; if uncertain, mark your best guess and move on.
  • After finishing the paper, if time permits, revisit flagged MCQs and recheck NCERT definitions mentally.

Common Mistakes Students Make in Tissues MCQs

One frequent error is confusing xylem with phloem—remember 'X for water' (xylem) and 'Ph for food' (phloem). Students often mix up collenchyma and sclerenchyma; collenchyma is living and flexible, sclerenchyma is dead and rigid. Another trap is assuming all epithelial tissue is single-layered; stratified epithelium has multiple layers. In animal tissue MCQs, students sometimes mark smooth muscle as voluntary—it is always involuntary. Assertion-reason questions trip up many: both statements may be factually correct, but if the reason does not explain the assertion, the answer is (B), not (A). Finally, do not overthink NCERT-based MCQs; stick to textbook definitions rather than outside knowledge from coaching notes or YouTube videos.
  • Mistake: Marking phloem as the water-transport tissue. Fix: Xylem = water, phloem = food (sugars).
  • Mistake: Calling sclerenchyma 'living'. Fix: Sclerenchyma cells are dead at maturity; only the thick lignified walls remain.
  • Mistake: Identifying cardiac muscle as voluntary. Fix: Only skeletal (striated) muscle attached to bones is voluntary.
  • Mistake: In assertion-reason, choosing (A) when both statements are true but unrelated. Fix: R must causally explain A for answer (A).

Why CBSETUTOR.ai is Your 24×7 Doubt-Solver for Tissues

Revising Chapter 6 Tissues means memorising multiple tissue types, their locations, and microscopic features—easy to confuse under exam pressure. CBSETUTOR.ai gives every CBSE student in Classes 6–12 an AI tutor available around the clock at a flat ₹999 per month, no hidden fees, no per-question charges. Snap a photo of any NCERT diagram (like the xylem cross-section or neuron structure), any MCQ you got wrong, or any assertion-reason question you do not understand, and get a step-by-step text explanation in seconds. The AI is trained on NCERT content, so answers use the exact terminology your teacher expects. Parents in metro cities like Bengaluru and Delhi and Tier-2 towns alike appreciate one transparent price for all subjects and chapters. Try the 3-day free trial—no credit card required—and see how quickly you can clear doubts during late-night revision without waiting for tuition class the next day.
  • Upload a blurry photo of a tissue diagram from your worksheet; the AI identifies it and explains each labelled part.
  • Ask 'Why is xylem called a complex tissue?' and receive a concise, exam-ready answer citing multiple cell types.
  • Practice unlimited MCQs generated by the AI, get instant feedback, and track which tissue types you keep mixing up.
  • ₹999/month covers all subjects (Maths, Science, Social Science, English) for Classes 6–12, making it budget-friendly for families with multiple children.

Frequently asked questions

How many MCQs on Tissues usually appear in CBSE Class 9 Biology term exams?+
Typically, 3–5 MCQs out of a total 10–12 objective questions in the Biology section come from Chapter 6 Tissues. Recent CBSE sample papers also include 1–2 assertion-reason MCQs on plant or animal tissues, so practise both formats thoroughly.
Which tissue is most commonly asked in Class 9 Biology Tissues MCQs?+
Xylem and phloem (vascular tissues) and the three types of muscle (striated, smooth, cardiac) are high-frequency topics. Differentiating meristematic vs. permanent tissue and squamous vs. columnar epithelium also appear often in NCERT Class 9 Biology MCQ sets.
How do I remember the difference between collenchyma and sclerenchyma?+
Collenchyma has living cells with unevenly thickened walls (think 'flexible corners') and provides support to young stems. Sclerenchyma has dead cells with uniformly thick, lignified walls (think 'hard shell') and makes structures rigid, like coconut fibers or seed coats.
Are assertion-reason MCQs difficult in the Tissues chapter?+
Assertion-reason MCQs test logical connections, not just recall. Both statements may be true, but if the reason does not explain the assertion, the answer is (B). For example, 'Xylem transports water' (A) and 'Xylem has dead cells' (R)—both true and R explains A, so answer is (A).
What is the best way to revise tissue diagrams for MCQs?+
Redraw NCERT diagrams (xylem, phloem, types of epithelium, neuron) from memory, labelling all parts. Compare with the textbook. MCQs often show a diagram and ask you to identify the tissue or a specific cell type, so visual recall is key.
Do I need to memorise scientific names of all cell types in tissues?+
Yes, for complex tissues. You must know tracheids, vessels, parenchyma, and fibres in xylem; sieve tube elements and companion cells in phloem; and neuron, dendrite, axon in nervous tissue. CBSE MCQs use these exact NCERT terms in options.
Is blood really a connective tissue, and why does CBSE ask this in MCQs?+
Yes, blood is classified as connective tissue because it has a fluid extracellular matrix (plasma) and connects different body parts by transporting oxygen, nutrients, and waste. This concept appears frequently in Class 9 Biology Tissues multiple choice and assertion-reason questions.
How can CBSETUTOR.ai help if I confuse xylem and phloem in MCQs?+
Snap a photo of any confusing MCQ or NCERT diagram and ask the AI to compare xylem and phloem in a table format (dead vs. living, water vs. food, upward vs. bidirectional). You will get an instant, exam-ready answer using NCERT language, available 24×7 at ₹999/month for all classes and subjects.
Which animal tissue question is trickiest in CBSE Class 9 exams?+
Identifying cardiac muscle vs. skeletal muscle trips many students. Both are striated, but cardiac is involuntary, branched, and found only in the heart, while skeletal is voluntary, unbranched, and attached to bones. Practice diagram-based MCQs to spot branching and intercalated discs.
Should I practise MCQs from outside NCERT for Tissues chapter?+
Stick to NCERT-based MCQs first—CBSE papers closely follow NCERT language and diagrams. After mastering those, try CBSE sample papers and previous years' questions. Avoid random online quizzes that use non-NCERT terminology, as they may confuse you before exams.

Related resources

CBSE Class 9 Biology Chapter 6 Tissues Worksheet with AnswersImportant Questions: CBSE Class 9 Biology Chapter 6 TissuesClass 9 Biology Chapter 6 Tissues — Formulas & Key PointsNCERT Solutions for CBSE Class 9 Biology Chapter 6: TissuesCBSE Class 9 Mathematics Chapter 1 Number Systems — NotesCBSE Class 9 Mathematics — Number Systems: complete chapter guideOnline Class 9 Biology Tutor in Mumbai — AI-Powered, 24/7 CBSE SupportCBSE Class 9 Mathematics Chapter 4 Linear Equations in Two Variables — 20 MCQs with Answers

Keep learning — related guides

Class 9Biology
CBSE Class 9 Biology Chapter 13 Reproduction: How Life Continues — 20 MCQs with Answers
Class 9Biology
CBSE Class 9 Biology Chapter 14 Patterns in Life: Diversity and Classification — 20 MCQs with Answers
Class 9Biology
CBSE Class 9 Biology Chapter 12 Improvement in Food Resources — 20 MCQs with Answers
Class 9Biology
CBSE Class 9 Biology Chapter 5 The Fundamental Unit of Life — 20 MCQs with Answers
Class 9Biology
CBSE Class 9 Biology Chapter 14 Patterns in Life: Diversity and Classification: mind map & revision
Class 9Biology
NCERT Solutions for CBSE Class 9 Biology Chapter 14: Patterns in Life: Diversity and Classification

Ready to give your Class 9 child the tutor that never sleeps?

CBSETUTOR.ai covers every chapter in the Class 9 NCERT syllabus — Maths, Science, Social Science, English, Hindi and more. 24×7. Patient. Unlimited. 3-day free trial.

Start your child's 3-day free trial →