Out of different types of tissues found in plants, which one of the following is a complex tissue?

Plant tissues are categorized into simple and complex permanent tissues. Simple tissues, such as parenchyma, collenchyma, and sclerenchyma, are composed of only one type of cell. Parenchyma consists of thin-walled living cells, collenchyma provides flexible support, and sclerenchyma offers structural rigidity through lignified walls [1]. In contrast, complex tissues are composed of more than one type of cell that work together as a unit. Xylem and phloem are the primary examples of complex vascular tissues. Xylem is responsible for transporting water and minerals from the roots and includes specialized cell types like tracheids, vessel elements, and xylem parenchyma [2]. Phloem transports photosynthetic products and consists of sieve tubes, companion cells, and fibers. Therefore, xylem is the complex tissue among the given options.

Sources

1. [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ground_tissue
2. [2] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Life Processes > 5.4.2 Transportation in Plants > p. 94