A textbook states, "Each plant tissue performs only one specific function". What questions would you ask to critically examine the correctness of this statement? What examples of tissues would you take to find out the answers to these questions?

The statement 'Each plant tissue performs only one specific function' needs critical examination because many plant tissues perform more than one function. To test the correctness of this statement, a variety of questions can be asked:

(1) Does parenchyma perform only storage, or can it perform other functions too?
For example, chlorenchyma, a type of parenchyma containing chloroplasts, carries out photosynthesis, while aerenchyma helps in aeration and buoyancy in aquatic plants.

(2) Does epidermis only protect the plant body?
For example, root hairs are extensions of epidermal cells and help in the absorption of water and minerals. Stomata present in the epidermis help in gaseous exchange and transpiration.

(3) Does xylem only conduct water and minerals?
For example, xylem fibres provide mechanical support, while xylem parenchyma helps in storage.
These examples show that many plant tissues have a primary function along with additional functions. Therefore, the statement is not completely correct.