| Meristematic tissue | Permanent tissue | |
| 1. | The cells divide repeatedly. | The cells are derived from meristematic tissue and do not divide. |
| 2. | The cells are undifferentiated. | The cells are fully differentiated. |
| 3. | The cells are small and isodiametric. | The cells are variable in shape and size. |
| 4. | Intercellular spaces are generally absent. | Visible intercellular spaces are present. |
| 5. | Vacuoles are absent. | Large vacuoles are present in mature cells. |
| 6. | Metabolism occurs at high rate. | Metabolism occurs at low rate. |
| 7. | The cell walls are thin. | Cell walls may be thin or thick. |
