NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Science Exploration Chapter 3

Tissue is a group of similar cells that work together to perform a specific function in a multicellular organism. Plant and animal tissues show division of labour by forming organs, organ systems, support structures, transport systems, and movement systems.

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Science Exploration Chapter 3 help students understand Tissues in Action, a Biology chapter from the 2026-27 Class 9 Science textbook. The chapter explains how cells form tissues, how tissues form organs, and how this organisation improves efficiency in multicellular organisms. CBSE should study this chapter carefully because it includes plant tissues, animal tissues, musculoskeletal system, types of joints, and graph-based questions. These NCERT Class 9 Science Solutions cover in-text Pause and Ponder questions, activity-based reasoning, and all Revise, Reflect, Refine exercise answers in a clear school-exam format.

Key Takeaways

• Basic concept: A tissue is a group of similar cells performing a specific function.
• Plant tissues: Plant tissues include meristematic tissues and permanent tissues.
• Animal tissues: Animal tissues include epithelial, connective, muscular, and nervous tissues.
• Movement system: The musculoskeletal system works with the nervous system to produce body movement.

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Science Exploration Chapter 3 Structure 2026

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Science Exploration Chapter 3 In-Text Questions

Class 9 Science Exploration Chapter 3 uses observation-based and reasoning-based questions to explain tissues. These answers focus on structure, function, and real-life examples from plants and animals.

Q1. Why are coconut husk fibres hard and brittle, whereas coriander leaf stalks are soft and flexible?

Answer: Coconut husk fibres are hard because they contain sclerenchyma, while coriander leaf stalks are flexible because they contain collenchyma.

Explanation:
Sclerenchyma cells have thick, lignified walls. Most of these cells are dead and provide mechanical strength.

Collenchyma cells are living cells with uneven thickening at the corners. They provide support with flexibility.

Coconut husk needs toughness and strength. Coriander leaf stalks need flexibility to bend without breaking.

Q2. Why is a thick cuticle useful for desert plants but disadvantageous for underwater plants?

Answer: A thick cuticle is useful for desert plants because it reduces water loss, but it is disadvantageous for underwater plants because it can reduce direct exchange with water.

Explanation:
Desert plants face dry conditions and high water loss. A thick waxy cuticle helps reduce transpiration from the epidermis.

Underwater plants live surrounded by water. They do not need a thick cuticle to prevent water loss.

A thick cuticle may slow exchange of gases and dissolved substances in aquatic plants. This makes it less useful underwater.

Q3. How do dead xylem cells and living leaf cells help water move against gravity?

Answer: Dead xylem cells form continuous tubes, while living leaf cells create transpiration pull by losing water through stomata.

Explanation:
Xylem vessels and tracheids are mostly dead and hollow. They form strong tubes for upward water movement.

Leaves lose water vapour through stomata during transpiration. This creates a pulling force that draws water upward from roots through xylem.

Dead xylem cells provide the pathway. Living leaf cells help maintain the pull.

Q4. What will happen if there are no stomata in the epidermis of stems or leaves?

Answer: The plant will face problems in gaseous exchange, transpiration, and photosynthesis.

Explanation:
Stomata allow carbon dioxide to enter the leaf for photosynthesis. They also allow oxygen and water vapour to move out.

Without stomata, carbon dioxide entry would reduce. Photosynthesis would slow down.

Transpiration pull would also reduce. Water and mineral movement through xylem would be affected.

Q5. Which joints are involved in classical and folk dance poses?

Answer: Dance poses involve joints such as shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle, neck, and finger joints.

Explanation:
Indian classical and folk dance forms use many types of joint movements. The shoulder and hip use ball and socket joints for wide movement.

The elbow, knee, fingers, and toes use hinge joints for bending and straightening. The neck uses a pivot joint for side-to-side turning.

Dance movements show coordination between joints, muscles, bones, and nervous tissue.

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Science Exploration Chapter 3 Exercise Questions

The Revise, Reflect, Refine section includes MCQs, assertion-reason questions, graph interpretation, plant tissue reasoning, and movement-based questions. These Class 9 Science Chapter 3 exercise solutions are written in direct answer format.

Q1. Meristematic tissues divide repeatedly. What property of their cells allows them to do this?

Answer: The correct option is (iii) They have thin walls, dense cytoplasm and large prominent nucleus.

Explanation:
Meristematic tissue Class 9 questions focus on active cell division. Meristematic cells are small, tightly packed, and have dense cytoplasm.

They also have a large nucleus and very little or no vacuole. These features help them divide repeatedly.

Thick walls and large vacuoles are not features of actively dividing meristematic cells.

Q2. If a plant is unable to transport food from leaves to roots, which tissue is malfunctioning?

Answer: The correct option is (ii) Phloem.

Explanation:
Phloem transports food prepared in leaves to other parts of the plant. This movement is called translocation.

Xylem transports water and minerals from roots to other plant parts. Epidermis protects the plant surface.

If food cannot move from leaves to roots, phloem is malfunctioning.

Q3. Why are epithelial tissues lining internal organs usually only one or a few cells thick?

Answer: The correct option is (iii) To allow quick exchange of materials across them.

Explanation:
Epithelial tissue Class 9 questions often connect structure with function. Thin epithelial tissue allows faster diffusion, absorption, and exchange.

In lungs and blood vessels, thin epithelial lining helps gases and liquids move quickly. Thick tissue would slow down exchange.

Q4. How did ankle, knee, and hip positions differ between straight-leg jump and normal jump?

Answer: In a straight-leg jump, the ankle, knee, and hip remain stiff, while in a normal jump, they bend naturally before pushing the body upward.

Explanation:
A normal jump uses bending at joints to store and release force. The knees and ankles bend, then straighten during take-off.

In a straight-leg jump, the joints do not bend much. This reduces push and makes the jump weaker.

The normal jump is easier because joints and muscles work together.

Q5. Which type of joint is involved when you bend your knees and ankles?

Answer: The correct option is (ii) Hinge.

Explanation:
A hinge joint allows movement mainly in one direction. The knee bends and straightens like a door hinge.

The ankle also allows hinge-like movement during up-down motion. Ball and socket joints allow wider movement.

Q6. Choose the correct assertion-reason option in each case.

Answer: The correct answers are:
A: (iii)
B: (i)
C: (iv)
D: (iii)

Explanation:

1. Assertion is true, but reason is false. Epithelium helps gas exchange in lungs because it is thin, not because it has multiple tall layers.
2. Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason explains the assertion. Cardiac muscle works continuously because it has many mitochondria and rich blood supply.
3. Assertion is false, but reason is true. Tendons connect muscles to bones, not bones to bones.
4. Assertion is true, but reason is false. A hinge joint moves mainly in one plane, not by sliding in all directions.

Q7. Plot a graph using teak tree age, diameter, and annual rings. Interpret the data.

Answer: The diameter of the teak tree increases with age, and the number of annual rings also increases with age.

Explanation:
The data show that older trees have more annual rings. A 5-year-old tree has 5 rings, while a 40-year-old tree has 40 rings.

The diameter also increases from 4 cm at 5 years to 40 cm at 40 years. The increase is not perfectly uniform because growth conditions vary.

(i) Interpretation:
The stem diameter increases over time because lateral meristem adds new tissues. Wider growth usually indicates favourable conditions.

(ii) Relation between diameter and annual rings:
The number of annual rings generally equals the age of the tree in years. Diameter increases as more rings are formed.

(iii) Tissue responsible for girth:
Lateral meristem is responsible for increase in girth. It is arranged in a ring along the circumference of the stem.

Q8. A tree was severely debarked by an elephant. Answer the questions.

Answer: Debarking mainly affects protection and food transport in the tree.

(i) Which functions are hampered by debarking?
Debarking removes the outer protective layer and may damage phloem. Protection and food transport from leaves to roots are affected.

(ii) Which plant tissue would be affected by further damage?
Further damage may affect xylem beneath the bark. Xylem transports water and minerals.

(iii) Which function is hampered if tissues beneath bark are severely damaged?
Water and mineral transport would be hampered if xylem is damaged. The tree may wilt and weaken.

(iv) What assumptions are made?
The answer assumes that debarking damaged the bark and phloem first. If the damage is shallow, only protection is affected.

If the damage reaches deeper tissues, both phloem and xylem functions are affected.

Q9. Which tissue helps a young mango sapling bend during monsoon winds?

Answer: Collenchyma is responsible for flexibility in a young mango sapling.

Explanation:
Collenchyma gives support and flexibility to young stems. Its cells have unevenly thickened corners.

If collenchyma were replaced by sclerenchyma, the stem would become hard and less flexible. It may break more easily during strong winds.

Sclerenchyma gives strength but not the same flexibility.

Q10. Sugarcane cuttings of type B sprouted, but type A did not. Answer the questions.

Answer: Type B cuttings sprouted because they had nodes with intercalary meristem or buds.

(i) Why did type B grow but type A did not?
Type B had a growth region that could produce new shoots. Type A likely lacked nodes or active buds.

(ii) What difference was present in type B?
Type B had nodes containing meristematic tissue. This allowed new cells to divide and form shoots.

(iii) What observation showed the effect?
The sprouting of new shoots and development into sugarcane plants showed the effect.

(iv) What should be kept the same?
The length of cuttings, water, soil, light, temperature, planting depth, and time period should be kept the same.

Q11. Is “a tissue is a group of similar cells performing similar functions” true for complex tissues?

Answer: The statement is fully true for simple tissues, but complex tissues contain different types of cells working together for a common function.

Explanation:
Simple permanent tissues like parenchyma, collenchyma, and sclerenchyma are made of one type of cell.

Complex tissues like xylem and phloem are made of different cell types. These cells may differ in structure but work together for transport.

Xylem transports water and minerals. Phloem transports food.

Q12. Which tissue gives coconut husk fibres strength?

Answer: Sclerenchyma gives coconut husk fibres strength.

Explanation:
Sclerenchyma has thick lignified walls. These walls make the tissue hard, tough, and fibrous.

Living parenchyma cannot provide the same strength because its cells have thin walls and intercellular spaces. Parenchyma is mainly used for storage and photosynthesis.

Q13. Are meristematic cells located only at root and shoot apices?

Answer: No, meristematic cells are not located only at root and shoot apices.

Explanation:
Apical meristem is found at root and shoot tips. It increases plant length.

Lateral meristem is present along the circumference of stems and increases girth. Intercalary meristem is present near nodes or the base of internodes and helps regrowth.

Neha can ask: “If meristem is only at the tips, how do stems become thicker and grasses regrow after cutting?”

Q14. A plant cell and an animal cell are the same size. Which cell will have a larger vacuole?

Answer: The plant cell will usually have a larger vacuole.

Explanation:
A mature plant cell usually has a large central vacuole. It stores cell sap, water, minerals, sugars, and wastes.

The vacuole also maintains pressure inside the plant cell. This helps the cell stay firm.

Animal cells may have small temporary vacuoles. They do not usually have one large central vacuole.

Assumption:
The answer assumes that the plant cell is a mature plant cell and the animal cell is a typical animal cell.

Q15. How would you examine the statement “Each plant tissue performs only one specific function”?

Answer: The statement is not completely correct because many plant tissues perform more than one function.

Explanation:
Questions to examine the statement:

1. Does xylem only transport water, or does it also provide support?
2. Does epidermis only protect, or does it also help in transpiration and absorption?
3. Does parenchyma only store food, or can it also perform photosynthesis?
4. Does phloem only transport food, or do its cells also store materials?

Examples:

1. Xylem transports water and provides strength.
2. Epidermis protects and allows gaseous exchange through stomata.
3. Parenchyma stores food and performs photosynthesis in green parts.

Plant tissues can perform more than one related function.

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Science Exploration

Topics Covered in NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Science Exploration Chapter 3

Class 9 Science Exploration Chapter 3 covers plant tissues, animal tissues, and the movement system in humans. The chapter links the structure of tissues with their functions in plants and animals.

• Tissue as a group of cells
• Division of labour in multicellular organisms
• Difference between plant and animal tissues
• Plant growth in length, girth, and regrowth
• Apical meristem
• Lateral meristem
• Intercalary meristem
• Meristematic tissue Class 9
• Differentiation into permanent tissues
• Permanent tissue Class 9
• Epidermis and cuticle
• Parenchyma, collenchyma, and sclerenchyma
• Xylem and phloem
• Dermal, ground, and vascular tissue systems
• Animal tissues Class 9 Science
• Epithelial tissue Class 9
• Connective tissue Class 9
• Blood, bone, cartilage, tendon, and ligament
• Muscular tissue Class 9
• Skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles
• Nervous tissue Class 9
• Neuron structure
• Musculoskeletal system Class 9
• Ball and socket joint, hinge joint, pivot joint, and fixed joint
• Skeletal system, rib cage, vertebral column, and posture
• Totipotency and plant tissue culture

Important Concepts in NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Science Exploration Chapter 3

Class 9 Science Chapter 3 solutions require students to connect each tissue with its structure and function. These concepts are frequently tested through MCQs, assertion-reason questions, and application-based answers.

Plant Tissues Class 9 Science

Plant tissues Class 9 Science questions mainly test growth, support, protection, and transport. Plant tissues are broadly classified into meristematic tissues and permanent tissues.

Meristematic tissues divide actively. They help plants grow in length, girth, and regrow after cutting.

Permanent tissues are formed when meristematic cells differentiate. They perform functions like protection, storage, support, photosynthesis, and transport.

Types of Meristematic Tissue Class 9

Meristematic tissue Class 9 includes apical, lateral, and intercalary meristems. Each type is located in a different region and supports a different kind of growth.

Apical meristem explains root and shoot growth. Lateral meristem explains tree trunk thickness. Intercalary meristem explains regrowth in grass and sugarcane.

Types of Permanent Tissue Class 9

Permanent tissue Class 9 includes simple and complex permanent tissues. Simple tissues have one type of cell, while complex tissues have more than one type of cell.

Permanent tissues make plant bodies strong, functional, and organised.

Animal Tissues Class 9 Science

Animal tissues Class 9 Science includes epithelial, connective, muscular, and nervous tissues. Each tissue type performs a specific role in body protection, support, movement, or coordination.

Epithelial Tissue Class 9

Epithelial tissue forms the outer covering of the body and lines internal organs. Its cells are closely packed with very little intercellular space.

Functions of epithelial tissue:

1. Protection
2. Absorption
3. Secretion
4. Exchange of gases
5. Sensory functions

Thin epithelium in the lungs allows rapid gas exchange. Layered epithelium in skin protects against injury and microbes.

Connective Tissue Class 9

Connective tissue connects, supports, and protects body parts. Its matrix may be fluid, soft, jelly-like, hard, or rigid.

Examples:

1. Blood transports gases, nutrients, and hormones.
2. Bone supports and protects the body.
3. Cartilage provides flexibility and cushioning.
4. Tendon connects muscle to bone.
5. Ligament connects bone to bone.

Blood and bone are both connective tissues, but their matrices are different.

Muscular Tissue Class 9

Muscular tissue helps produce voluntary and involuntary movement. Muscle cells can contract and relax.

Skeletal muscles help in running and writing. Smooth muscles move food in the intestine. Cardiac muscles keep the heart beating.

Nervous Tissue Class 9

Nervous tissue receives, processes, and transmits messages. It forms the body’s control and coordination network.

A neuron has three main parts:

1. Cell body
2. Dendrites
3. Axon

Dendrites receive signals. The axon carries messages away from the cell body. Axon terminals pass messages to other cells.

Musculoskeletal System Class 9

The musculoskeletal system Class 9 topic explains how bones, muscles, joints, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments work together. This system helps the body stand, move, maintain posture, and protect organs.

Muscles pull bones to produce movement. Tendons attach muscles to bones.

Ligaments attach bones to bones and limit excessive movement. Cartilage cushions joints and reduces shock.

The nervous system controls this movement by sending signals to muscles.

Types of Joints Class 9

Types of joints Class 9 questions are often asked using body movement examples. Different joints allow different ranges of motion.

Dance, yoga, sports, and daily activities use many joints together. A normal jump uses coordinated movement of ankle, knee, and hip joints.

Important Terms in Class 9 Science Exploration Chapter 3

Tissues in Action Class 9 includes several Biology terms that students should revise before exams. These terms help in writing clear short answers.