Final answer:
The dermal tissue provides mechanical support and protection for the plant. It includes the epidermis and the waxy cuticle and is not responsible for nutrient transport, photosynthesis, or gas exchange.
Step-by-step explanation:
The dermal tissue of a plant provides mechanical support and protection for the plant. Specifically, this tissue includes the epidermis, which covers the outside of a plant in a single layer of cells. The epidermis can be considered the plant's skin, secreting a waxy substance called cuticle to coat, waterproof, and protect the above-ground parts of plants. The cuticle helps in preventing water loss, abrasions, infections, and damage from environmental toxins. Notably, the dermal tissue is not primarily responsible for nutrient transport, photosynthesis, or gas exchange. These functions are served by other specialized tissues such as vascular tissue and ground tissue.
Regarding the reference to a lab technician looking for a slide that shows an example of permanent tissue, the best choice would be the slide showing dermal tissue, as it is permanent tissue that provides an outer covering to the plant. Vascular tissue such as the xylem and phloem would show the transport of water and nutrients, and ground tissue would show areas involved in photosynthesis and storage.