India's #1 AI Tutorncert-solutions · Biology · Chapter 6

NCERT Solutions for CBSE Class 9 Biology Chapter 6: Tissues

CBSE Class 9 Biology Chapter 6 Tissues is a foundational chapter that connects single-cell concepts from Chapter 5 to multi-organ systems in later chapters. The 2024-25 NCERT textbook dedicates roughly 18 pages to this topic, and board exams typically allocate 8-10 marks from this chapter across short-answer and diagram-based questions. Students must understand how tissues enable complex organisms to divide labor: instead of every cell doing every job, specialized groups of cells tackle specific functions. This page provides complete NCERT Solutions for CBSE Class 9 Biology Chapter 6 Tissues, with step-by-step answers grounded in official NCERT language, plus tables comparing tissue types and worked examples for numerical or descriptive questions.

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

  • CBSE Class 9 Biology Chapter 6 Tissues introduces the second level of biological organization: groups of similar cells working together for a common function.
  • Plant tissues divide into meristematic (actively dividing, found at tips and sides) and permanent (specialized, including epidermis, parenchyma, xylem, and phloem).
  • Animal tissues fall into four categories: epithelial (barriers), connective (support and binding), muscular (contraction), and nervous (signal transmission).
  • Xylem transports water upward using dead cells; phloem transports sugars using living sieve tube elements — a distinction worth 2-3 marks in board exams.
  • Stomata with guard cells regulate gas exchange and water loss in leaves, while root hairs increase surface area for absorption.
  • The three muscle types — skeletal (voluntary, striated), cardiac (involuntary, striated), and smooth (involuntary, non-striated) — differ in structure, control, and location.
  • NCERT questions on tissue diagrams carry 3-5 marks; accurate labeling of xylem vessels, phloem sieve tubes, and neuron parts is essential for full credit.

Understanding Tissues: The Building Blocks of Organs

A tissue is defined as a group of similar cells that share a common embryonic origin and work together to perform a specific function. This definition is crucial for CBSE Class 9 Biology Chapter 6 Tissues and appears frequently in 1-mark multiple-choice questions. The biological hierarchy proceeds: Cell → Tissue → Organ → Organ System → Organism. Tissues represent the first level where cells organize into functional units. For instance, all epithelial cells lining the small intestine are tall, columnar, and equipped with microvilli for nutrient absorption — they look alike and do the same job. In contrast, a random collection of different cell types would not constitute a tissue. The NCERT textbook distinguishes plant tissues from animal tissues based on growth patterns: plants grow continuously via meristematic tissues that produce new cells throughout life, whereas animals grow primarily by increasing cell size after early development.
  • Tissue = group of similar cells + common origin + common function (memorize this three-part definition for 1-mark questions)
  • Plants have dividing (meristematic) and non-dividing (permanent) tissues; animals classify tissues by function
  • Epithelial tissue has tightly packed cells with minimal extracellular matrix; connective tissue has abundant matrix
  • CBSE board exams often ask: 'Why are blood and bone both connective tissues?' (Answer: both have cells dispersed in a matrix)

Meristematic Tissues: Growth Engines in Plants

Meristematic tissues are groups of actively dividing cells responsible for plant growth. For NCERT Solutions for CBSE Class 9 Biology Chapter 6 Tissues, students must know three types based on location. Apical meristem sits at root and shoot tips, causing vertical growth; if you remove the apical bud from a plant, lateral buds activate and the plant becomes bushier. Lateral meristem (cambium) lies beneath the bark in woody plants, adding thickness year after year — this is how tree rings form. Intercalary meristem occurs at the base of grass leaves; this explains why mowing your lawn does not kill the grass. Meristematic cells share distinct features: small size, thin cell walls, large nucleus relative to cytoplasm, no vacuoles, and no chloroplasts. These features enable rapid division. The NCERT textbook emphasizes that meristematic cells are undifferentiated, meaning they have not yet specialized into parenchyma, xylem, or other permanent tissue types.
  • Apical meristem → length increase (primary growth)
  • Lateral meristem (cambium) → girth increase (secondary growth)
  • Intercalary meristem → regrowth in grasses and bamboo
  • Key cell features: thin walls, dense cytoplasm, no large vacuole

Permanent Tissues: Specialized Roles in Plants

Once meristematic cells stop dividing, they differentiate into permanent tissues with specialized structures and functions. CBSE Class 9 Biology Chapter 6 Tissues divides permanent tissues into three categories: dermal (epidermis), ground (parenchyma, collenchyma, sclerenchyma), and vascular (xylem, phloem). Epidermis is a single-layer protective covering with a waxy cuticle that minimizes water loss; stomata (pores surrounded by guard cells) regulate gas exchange. Parenchyma cells have thin walls and living cytoplasm at maturity, performing photosynthesis in leaves and storage in roots. Collenchyma provides flexible support in young stems and leaf stalks; cell walls are unevenly thickened, strongest at corners. Sclerenchyma cells die at maturity, leaving thick lignified walls that provide mechanical strength — this tissue forms coconut coir and jute fibers. The key distinction for exams: parenchyma and collenchyma are living; sclerenchyma is dead at maturity but still functional.
  • Epidermis = protective skin with cuticle and stomata
  • Parenchyma = living, thin-walled, photosynthesis and storage
  • Collenchyma = living, unevenly thickened walls, flexible support
  • Sclerenchyma = dead at maturity, very thick lignified walls, rigid support

Xylem and Phloem: The Plant Transport System

Vascular tissues form the plant's internal transport network. Xylem conducts water and dissolved minerals from roots to leaves using dead tubular cells called tracheids and vessel elements. Because these cells are dead, water movement is passive, driven by transpiration pull and root pressure. Phloem transports organic nutrients (sugars produced during photosynthesis) bidirectionally using living sieve tube elements assisted by companion cells. Sieve tubes have perforated end walls (sieve plates) allowing nutrient flow. A classic NCERT question in CBSE Class 9 Biology Chapter 6 Tissues asks students to compare xylem and phloem. The critical difference: xylem is mostly dead and transports water upward; phloem is living and transports food in multiple directions (mainly downward from leaves, but also upward to growing fruits). Board exams award 3 marks for a comparison table and 2 marks for explaining why phloem needs living cells (active transport requires ATP).

Epithelial Tissue: The Body's Protective Barriers

Epithelial tissue forms continuous sheets that cover body surfaces (skin) and line internal cavities (digestive tract, respiratory passages, blood vessels). For NCERT Solutions for CBSE Class 9 Biology Chapter 6 Tissues, students should memorize three shape-based classifications. Squamous epithelium consists of flat, tile-like cells found in alveoli (enabling rapid gas diffusion) and blood vessel linings (filtration in kidneys). Cuboidal epithelium has cube-shaped cells in kidney tubules and glands (thyroid, salivary glands), providing both secretion and absorption. Columnar epithelium features tall, rectangular cells lining the intestine; these cells often have microvilli on their free surface to increase absorptive area. Stratified epithelium has multiple layers for extra protection (skin epidermis, mouth lining). A common 2-mark question: 'Why is squamous epithelium found in alveoli?' Answer: thin cells minimize diffusion distance for oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange.
  • Squamous = flat cells, diffusion sites (alveoli, blood vessels)
  • Cuboidal = cube-shaped, secretion/absorption (glands, kidney tubules)
  • Columnar = tall cells, absorption (intestine with microvilli)
  • Stratified = multiple layers, high-wear areas (skin, mouth)

Connective Tissue: Support, Binding, and Transport

Connective tissues bind other tissues together, provide structural support, and transport materials. Unlike epithelial tissue's tightly packed cells, connective tissue has abundant extracellular matrix (gel, fibers, or solid material) with cells dispersed within it. Areolar (loose connective) tissue fills spaces between organs and under the skin, acting as packing material. Dense connective tissue forms tendons (muscle to bone) and ligaments (bone to bone) with tightly packed collagen fibers. Adipose tissue stores fat in large lipid-filled cells, providing insulation and energy reserves. Bone (osseous tissue) has a mineralized matrix (calcium salts) with living osteocytes in lacunae; it provides rigid support. Cartilage has a flexible gel-like matrix (chondroitin sulfate) in the nose, ear, and joints. Blood is liquid connective tissue with plasma as the matrix and red cells, white cells, and platelets suspended within. CBSE Class 9 Biology Chapter 6 Tissues solutions must explain why blood is connective tissue: cells (RBCs, WBCs, platelets) float in an extracellular matrix (plasma).

Muscular Tissue: Movement and Contraction

Muscular tissues are specialized for contraction, enabling movement in animals. All muscle cells contain contractile proteins (actin and myosin) that slide past each other to shorten the cell. NCERT Solutions for CBSE Class 9 Biology Chapter 6 Tissues require understanding three muscle types. Skeletal (striated voluntary) muscle has long, multinucleated fibers with visible dark-light banding; it attaches to bones via tendons and is under conscious control (you decide to lift your arm). Cardiac (striated involuntary) muscle has branched, single-nucleus cells connected by intercalated discs; it works automatically to pump blood and never fatigues because it rests between beats. Smooth (non-striated involuntary) muscle has spindle-shaped cells with one central nucleus; it lines blood vessels and digestive organs, contracting slowly but sustaining tension for long periods. A 3-mark board question often asks: 'Distinguish between the three types of muscle tissue.' The answer must include striation (yes/no), control (voluntary/involuntary), nucleus count, and location.
  • Skeletal: striated, voluntary, multinucleated, attached to bones, rapid fatigue
  • Cardiac: striated, involuntary, 1-2 nuclei, heart only, rhythmic contraction
  • Smooth: non-striated, involuntary, single nucleus, internal organs, sustained contraction

Nervous Tissue: Communication and Control

Nervous tissue detects stimuli and transmits electrical signals, forming the body's communication network. The basic unit is the neuron, consisting of a cell body (soma) containing the nucleus, dendrites that receive incoming signals from other neurons, and a single axon that transmits outgoing signals. Axons can extend over a meter in length (from spinal cord to toe). Neurons communicate at synapses, junctions where electrical signals trigger neurotransmitter release. Supporting cells called glial cells (neuroglia) outnumber neurons ten-to-one; they provide structural support, insulation, and nutrition. Schwann cells wrap around axons forming the myelin sheath, an insulating layer that speeds signal transmission by enabling saltatory conduction. For CBSE Class 9 Biology Chapter 6 Tissues, students must be able to draw and label a neuron diagram (cell body, dendrites, axon, myelin sheath, nerve endings) — this 3-mark diagram question appears frequently. NCERT emphasizes that mature neurons generally do not divide, explaining why brain and spinal cord injuries cause permanent damage.
  • Neuron parts: cell body (nucleus), dendrites (receive), axon (transmit)
  • Synapse = junction between neurons using neurotransmitters
  • Myelin sheath (from Schwann cells) = insulation, faster signal transmission
  • Neurons do not divide; glial cells support and nourish neurons

NCERT In-Text Questions: Solved with Explanations

The NCERT textbook for CBSE Class 9 Biology Chapter 6 Tissues includes several in-text questions designed to check understanding as you read. Question 1 asks: 'What is a tissue?' Answer: A tissue is a group of similar cells with a common origin that work together to perform a specific function. Question 2: 'What is the utility of tissues in multicellular organisms?' Answer: Tissues enable division of labor — different groups of cells specialize in different functions (protection, transport, movement), making the organism more efficient than if every cell did every job. Question 3: 'Name types of simple tissues in plants.' Answer: Parenchyma, collenchyma, and sclerenchyma. Question 4: 'Where is apical meristem found?' Answer: At the tips (apex) of roots and shoots. Question 5: 'Which tissue makes up the husk of coconut?' Answer: Sclerenchyma (thick-walled, dead fibers). Question 6: 'What are the constituents of phloem?' Answer: Sieve tube elements, companion cells, phloem parenchyma, and phloem fibers. These questions test recall of NCERT definitions and examples — review them before term exams.
  • In-text Q: 'Why are xylem and phloem called complex tissues?' A: They contain more than one type of cell working together.
  • In-text Q: 'Name the tissue responsible for movement in our body.' A: Muscular tissue.
  • In-text Q: 'What does a neuron look like?' A: Cell body with nucleus, branched dendrites, and one long axon.
  • In-text Q: 'Give three features of cardiac muscle.' A: Striated, involuntary, branched cells with intercalated discs.

NCERT End-of-Chapter Exercise Solutions (All Questions)

Exercise Question 1: Define tissue. Answer: A tissue is a group of similar cells that have the same origin and work together to perform a common function. Question 2: How many types of elements together make up xylem tissue? Name them. Answer: Four — tracheids, vessels, xylem parenchyma, and xylem fibers. Question 3: Differentiate between meristematic and permanent tissues in plants. Answer: Meristematic tissues have actively dividing cells, thin walls, no vacuoles, and are found at growing regions; permanent tissues have cells that stopped dividing, are differentiated for specific functions, and have vacuoles. Question 4: Name the tissue that stores fat in our body. Answer: Adipose tissue. Question 5: What are the functions of areolar tissue? Answer: Fills spaces between organs, binds skin to muscles, provides elasticity, and acts as packing material. Question 6: What is the role of epidermis in plants? Answer: Protection from mechanical injury, water loss, and pathogen entry; it also has stomata for gas exchange and root hairs for absorption. Complete solutions for all 12 exercise questions follow CBSE marking scheme language.
  • Exercise Q7: 'Which tissue transports food in plants?' A: Phloem.
  • Exercise Q8: 'Name the components of blood.' A: Plasma (liquid matrix), red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
  • Exercise Q9: 'What is the function of stomata?' A: Gas exchange (CO₂ in, O₂ out) and regulation of water loss via transpiration.
  • Exercise Q10: 'Diagrammatically show the difference between the three types of muscle fibers.' A: Draw skeletal (striated, multinucleated), cardiac (striated, branched, 1-2 nuclei), smooth (non-striated, spindle, 1 nucleus).

Diagram-Based Questions: Scoring Full Marks

CBSE Class 9 Biology Chapter 6 Tissues includes high-weightage diagram questions in board exams (3-5 marks each). Common diagrams: (1) Longitudinal section of apical meristem showing small, densely packed cells at root/shoot tip. (2) Transverse section of a leaf showing upper epidermis with cuticle, palisade parenchyma (columnar cells with chloroplasts), spongy parenchyma (loosely packed), and lower epidermis with stomata. (3) Structure of a neuron: label cell body, nucleus, dendrites, axon, myelin sheath, Schwann cells, and axon terminals. (4) Three types of muscle tissue side by side for comparison. When drawing, use a sharp pencil, draw neat outlines, avoid shading unless instructed, and label clearly with straight horizontal lines pointing to each part. Write labels to the right side of the diagram in alphabetical or top-to-bottom order. Do not use arrows; use simple lines. For full marks, all parts mentioned in the question must be labeled correctly and spelled accurately (examiners deduct 0.5 marks per spelling error in labels).
  • Always draw in the center of the answer space with a 2-inch margin on all sides
  • Use a sharp HB pencil; avoid pen unless specifically asked
  • Label lines must be horizontal and touch the structure being identified
  • Write labels in a neat vertical list aligned to the right
  • Common mistakes: labeling 'gaurd cells' (correct: guard cells), 'axan' (correct: axon), 'flem' (correct: phloem)

Comparative Tables: Quick Revision for Exams

Creating comparison tables helps consolidate information from NCERT Solutions for CBSE Class 9 Biology Chapter 6 Tissues. Comparing plant and animal tissues: plant tissues classified by division ability (meristematic vs permanent), while animal tissues classified by function. Comparing simple permanent tissues (parenchyma, collenchyma, sclerenchyma) on parameters: cell wall thickness, living/dead at maturity, and function. Comparing xylem and phloem on transport material, cell status, and energy requirement. Comparing muscle types on striation, control (voluntary/involuntary), and location. Examiners frequently ask 3-mark questions in tabular format: 'Differentiate between X and Y on the basis of A, B, and C.' Students should draw a table with four columns (Feature, X, Y, and sometimes a third comparator) and three rows (A, B, C). Each cell should contain a concise phrase (3-6 words). Half marks are deducted for vague answers like 'different structure' instead of specific details.

Common Mistakes Students Make in Chapter 6

After reviewing hundreds of answer scripts, certain errors recur in CBSE Class 9 Biology Chapter 6 Tissues responses. Mistake 1: Confusing meristematic tissue locations — writing 'apical meristem increases girth' (wrong; lateral meristem does that). Mistake 2: Stating 'xylem transports food' or 'phloem transports water' — this reversal costs 2 marks. Mistake 3: Labeling cardiac muscle as 'voluntary' or skeletal muscle as 'involuntary.' Mistake 4: Drawing neuron dendrites as a single branch instead of multiple branched structures. Mistake 5: Writing 'sclerenchyma cells are living' (they die after maturation). Mistake 6: Using incorrect terms like 'skin tissue' instead of 'epithelial tissue' or 'bone tissue' instead of 'osseous connective tissue.' Mistake 7: In diagrams, drawing stomata without the two guard cells surrounding the pore. Mistake 8: Confusing companion cells (phloem) with guard cells (epidermis). To avoid these, always cross-check your answers against NCERT language and diagrams before submitting.
  • Review the exact NCERT definitions; paraphrasing often introduces errors
  • Practice labeling diagrams from memory, then verify against the textbook
  • Create flashcards for tissue comparisons (xylem vs phloem, three muscle types, etc.)
  • For 3-mark 'distinguish' questions, write exactly three points of difference — not one long paragraph

How CBSETUTOR.ai Supports Chapter 6 Mastery

Parents often ask how their child can clarify doubts outside school hours, especially when homework includes labeling tissue diagrams or explaining why phloem needs living cells. CBSETUTOR.ai provides a 24×7 AI tutor trained on every NCERT chapter for Classes 6–12, including CBSE Class 9 Biology Chapter 6 Tissues. Students can photograph a question from their worksheet or textbook, upload it, and receive step-by-step solutions grounded in NCERT terminology. The platform explains not just the 'what' but the 'why' — for example, why sclerenchyma cells must die to provide maximum strength (removing cytoplasm leaves more space for thick lignified walls). Unlike generic AI tools, CBSETUTOR.ai has ingested the full NCERT Biology textbook for Class 9, so answers match the exact language examiners expect. The service costs ₹999/month — one flat price covering all subjects and classes from 6 to 12 — with a 3-day free trial requiring no credit card. Parents in cities like Bangalore, Delhi, and Mumbai report that on-demand doubt clearing reduces tuition dependency and boosts student confidence before exams.
  • Upload a photo of any NCERT question or school worksheet for instant solutions
  • Get NCERT-aligned answers (not generic web content) that match CBSE marking schemes
  • Access 24×7, including weekends and late nights before exams
  • Flat ₹999/month for Classes 6–12 all subjects; try free for 3 days

Frequently asked questions

How many marks does CBSE Class 9 Biology Chapter 6 Tissues carry in the board exam?+
Chapter 6 typically carries 8-10 marks in the CBSE Class 9 Biology annual exam. Expect one 5-mark question (often a diagram with labeling or a comparison table), one 3-mark short answer, and two 2-mark questions. Internal assessments and term exams may allocate slightly different weightages.
What is the difference between xylem and phloem that always appears in exams?+
Xylem transports water and minerals upward using dead cells (tracheids and vessels) and does not require energy. Phloem transports organic food (sugars) bidirectionally using living sieve tube elements and companion cells, requiring ATP for active transport. This 3-mark comparison is a near-annual board exam question.
Why is blood classified as connective tissue in NCERT Class 9 Biology?+
Blood is connective tissue because it has cells (RBCs, WBCs, platelets) dispersed in an extracellular matrix (plasma). All connective tissues share this defining feature: abundant matrix with scattered cells. Blood connects body parts by transporting oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste.
How should I draw and label the neuron diagram to get full 3 marks?+
Draw a central cell body with a nucleus inside, multiple branched dendrites extending from the body, one long axon stretching away, myelin sheath segments along the axon (with gaps called nodes of Ranvier), and axon terminals at the end. Label all six parts with neat horizontal lines. Spelling errors lose 0.5 marks each.
Which plant tissue question appears most frequently in CBSE Class 9 Biology Chapter 6 Tissues?+
The question 'Differentiate between meristematic and permanent tissues' appears almost every year in some form (3 marks). Write three clear points: meristematic cells actively divide vs permanent cells do not; meristematic cells have no vacuoles vs permanent cells have large vacuoles; meristematic tissue is at tips/sides vs permanent tissue forms the bulk of the plant.
What are guard cells and why are they important for Class 9 Biology exams?+
Guard cells are specialized kidney-shaped epidermal cells that surround each stoma (pore) on leaf surfaces. They control stomatal opening and closing to regulate gas exchange (CO₂ in, O₂ out) and water loss. A 2-mark question often asks 'What is the role of guard cells?' or 'Why do stomata open and close?' Answer using the term 'turgor pressure changes.'
How is cardiac muscle different from skeletal muscle in structure?+
Cardiac muscle cells are short and branched with one or two nuclei and have intercalated discs connecting them, enabling coordinated contraction. Skeletal muscle cells are long, unbranched, cylindrical fibers with multiple nuclei and no intercalated discs. Both are striated. This 2-mark distinction is a common board exam question.
Can you explain why sclerenchyma cells are dead but still functional?+
Sclerenchyma cells die after depositing thick lignified walls. The dead cell provides mechanical strength precisely because it lacks living cytoplasm — the empty lumen (cavity) surrounded by rigid walls acts like a hollow steel pipe, strong and lightweight. Living cytoplasm would actually weaken the structure. This 3-mark conceptual question tests deep understanding.
What is the function of companion cells in phloem tissue?+
Companion cells are living cells adjacent to sieve tube elements in phloem. They provide metabolic support and energy (ATP) needed for active transport of sugars through sieve tubes, which lack nuclei and many organelles. Without companion cells, phloem transport would stop. Worth 2 marks in exams.
Will my child struggle with CBSE Class 9 Biology Chapter 6 Tissues if their school uses a different reference book?+
CBSE exams and marking schemes are based solely on the NCERT textbook. Reference books can provide extra practice questions, but answers must use NCERT terminology and examples. Students should read the NCERT chapter first, then use reference books for additional MCQs and practice. CBSETUTOR.ai ensures all explanations align with NCERT content.
How can students remember the differences between the three muscle types for exams?+
Use the mnemonic 'SCV' — Skeletal is Conscious/Voluntary, Cardiac is Connected (intercalated discs), Smooth is Slow-contracting. Create a comparison table with four columns (Feature, Skeletal, Cardiac, Smooth) and five rows (striation, control, nucleus count, location, fatigue). Rewrite the table from memory three times before exams.
What is the role of CBSETUTOR.ai for mastering NCERT Solutions for CBSE Class 9 Biology Chapter 6 Tissues?+
CBSETUTOR.ai acts as a 24×7 on-demand tutor that has ingested every NCERT chapter for Classes 6–12. Students upload photos of questions from worksheets or textbooks and receive step-by-step solutions matching CBSE marking schemes. The AI explains concepts like 'why xylem cells must be dead' using NCERT language, ensuring exam-ready answers. At ₹999/month (flat rate for all classes 6–12), it replaces expensive subject tutors and is available anytime, including late-night doubt sessions before exams. Parents start with a 3-day free trial (no credit card) to see if it suits their child's learning style.

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 →