Which of the following is NOT one of the three major tissue types in plants?

The correct choice is that protective tissue is not considered one of the three major tissue types in plants. The three primary tissue types in plants are vascular tissue, dermal tissue, and ground tissue.

Vascular tissue is responsible for the transportation of water, nutrients, and food throughout the plant. It comprises two main components: xylem, which transports water and minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant, and phloem, which distributes the products of photosynthesis.

Dermal tissue serves as the outer protective layer of the plant, helping to safeguard against environmental damage, water loss, and pathogen invasion. It includes structures such as the epidermis and, in some cases, specialized structures like trichomes and stomata.

Ground tissue fills the spaces between vascular and dermal tissues and serves various functions, including photosynthesis, storage, and support. It consists of three types of cells: parenchyma, collenchyma, and sclerenchyma.

While protective tissue may refer to any specialized structures that help guard the plant, it does not classify as one of the main tissue types recognized in plant anatomy. Understanding these three major tissue types is fundamental in the study of plant structure and function.