Types of Parenchyma Tissues in Plants
Based on their function and structure Parenchyma can be classified into following types:
Chlorenchyma
Chlorenchyma is a specialized type of parenchyma tissue primarily found in the mesophyll layer of plant leaves. It contains chloroplasts responsible for photosynthesis. Chlorenchyma cells are closely packed to maximize surface area for efficient light capture and gas exchange.
Aerenchyma
Aerenchyma is a special type of parenchyma that has small compartments are lacunae within them. They are typically filled with air and give a spongy appearance to the tissue. Aerenchymas are present in roots of some plant where they are submerged in water logged environment anf facilitate gaseous exchange between shoot and root. They also provide buoyancy in floating plants.
Secretory Parenchyma
Secretory parenchyma is a specialized parechyma that produces and releases substances for various functions such as defense, attraction, and protection. They are found in specific plant organs or structures and secrete substances like resins, oils, nectar, and mucilage. They have a compact cytoplasm and specialized organelles that help in secretion.
Secretory parenchyma provides plants with adaptive advantages, aiding in defense against herbivores and pathogens, attracting pollinators, and protecting against environmental stresses.
Diagram of Parenchyma Tissue
The diagram of parenchyma tissues shows the composition of the most abundant simple tissue found in plants. In cross-section, cells of the parenchyma appear loosely packed, isodiametric, and thin-walled. These cells perform various functions like photosynthesis, storage of nutrients, secretion, and provide support.
Parenchyma cells are progenitors of other permanent tissues in plants and differentiate to form sclerenchyma and collenchyma. It acts as the ground substance for the plants where other tissues remain embedded. In this article, we will look into the diagram of Parenchyma tissues along with their characteristics and structure.
Table of Content
- What is Parenchyma?
- Diagram of Parenchyma
- Characteristics of Parenchyma Tissue
- Structure of Parenchyma Cells
- Types of Parenchyma Tissues in Plants
- Functions of Parenchyma
Contact Us