What is Parenchyma Tissue?
Parenchyma is one of the simple permanent tissues that help in creating a major portion of fundamental or ground tissues in plants. There are mainly three types of simple permanent tissues found in plants – Parenchyma, Collenchyma, and Sclerenchyma.
However, among these three types of ground cells, only parenchyma cells consist of thin-walled, living, simple, and structure-wise unspecialised cells. Thus, these cells are adaptable for several functions.
Notably, these ground tissues are neither embedded nor vascular. Moreover, parenchyma tissue is alive, and hence it can be involved in secretion, food storage, photosynthesis, and various other life processes of plants.
Characteristics of Parenchyma
There are some fundamental characteristics seen in parenchyma cells. Those are-
After reaching maturity, these permanent living cells can divide. With this characteristic, these tissues can help in the healing of wounds and regeneration.
Parenchyma is the foundation of most plant cells. The reproductive cells of plants like gametes, spores, etc. are parenchymatous.
Plant zygotes are also made of single parenchyma. Thus, a parenchymatous zygote can grow into an entire plant through cell division. These cells are known as “totipotent” cells.
This cell can appear as continuous masses like the cortex & pith of roots and stems, the endosperm of seed, mesophyll of the leaf, the flesh of juicy fruits, etc. This type of tissue is called homogeneous parenchyma tissue.
Parenchyma can create heterogeneous complex tissues by associating with different kinds of cells. The parenchyma present in phloem or xylem is an example of heterogeneous parenchyma.
Essential life process activities like storage, assimilation, photosynthesis, excretion, respiration, transportation of water throughout the body, etc. require these cells.
Structure of Parenchyma
Parenchyma cells are living cells. A vital part for respective organisms, its basic structural characteristics are noted below.
This ground cell consists of prominent protoplasts and nuclei.
Mostly, parenchymas are polyhedral or isodiametric in shape. However, these cells can be round, oval, elongated, or polygonal as well.
The intercellular space of parenchyma is small, and the cells might also be tightly packed.
They have thin cell walls which are composed of hemicelluloses and cellulose.
In a parenchyma tissue, plasmodesmata joins all the cells.
These cells have multiple small vacuoles. In older parenchyma, these small vacuoles fuse and form a large central vacuole. This large vacuole can accumulate tannins or anthocyanin.
Vacuoles in parenchyma have abundant water, and they work as water reservoirs of plants.
Storage parenchyma can have thick cell walls of xyloglucan like the endosperm of a date palm. During the germination of seeds, the sugar is utilised and the walls are reduced to thin layers.
Chromoplast is present in the parenchyma of fruits and flowers.
Sometimes, parenchyma also has a thick lignified cell wall similar to sclerenchyma.
The mechanical strength of parenchyma is derived from the cell’s hydraulic property.
Parenchyma contains chloroplast that specifically performs photosynthesis.
Some parenchyma cells contain dense protoplasm that is highly composed of endoplasmic reticulum, golgi bodies, and ribosomes. These cells help in performing a secretory function.
Depending on the location, structure, and functions, parenchyma can be divided into the following categories-
Parenchyma Tissue Diagram
To better understand the anatomy of Parenchyma, referring to a neat labeled Parenchyma Tissue Diagram is crucial. Explore the detailed illustration on the labelled Parenchyma Tissue Diagram for a comprehensive visual representation of its structure and organelles.
Types of Parenchyma
Functions of Parenchyma
Parenchyma helps to perform different biological functions.
Storage
The intercellular space between parenchyma cells works as the storage of water, starch, fats, etc.
Photosynthesis
Chlorenchyma carries chloroplast that is present in all green parts of a plant and performs photosynthesis.
Transport
Parenchyma tissue transports water, nutrients, and other important chemicals throughout the plant body.
Protection
The spiny projections in the parenchymatous cells of gymnosperms protect them from predator attacks.
Gas Exchange
Aerenchyma helps in the exchange of gases.
Totipotent
Parenchyma can transform into other kinds of cells in case they predecease.
Regeneration and Healing
The ability of cell division of parenchyma helps in healing body wounds with their regeneration.
Buoyancy
Aerenchyma consists of air sacs that help the aquatic plants to float.
The above discussion provides a comprehensive understanding of parenchyma cells which includes its characteristics, types and functions. You should note them in detail since it is one of the vital topics in your curricula.
Conclusion
Parenchyma cells play a fundamental role in the structure and function of plant tissues, exhibiting diverse forms and functions across different plant organs. Their ability to store nutrients, provide structural support, and participate in photosynthesis highlights their significance in plant physiology. Understanding the characteristics and functions of parenchyma cells is essential for comprehending the intricate mechanisms underlying plant growth and development.
FAQs on Parenchyma Cells
1. What Is The function of Parenchyma cells?
As ground tissue of plants, the Parenchyma cells perform various functions like
i) Storage: The large intercellular space that Parenchyma cells have are ideal for storage.
ii) Transport: The transport of nutrients and other chemicals are done by the Parenchyma Cells.
iii) Photosynthesis: Chlorenchyma is present in the Mesophyll part of the leaves. Chlorenchyma can manufacture food with the help of photosynthesis.
iv) Buoyancy: The Aerenchyma which are mainly seen in aquatic plants have air pockets and holes which help in floating. These provide the plants with natural buoyancy and the walls of parenchyma cells give the plant mechanical strngth.
2. Where can we find Parenchyma ?
Parenchyma cells are living cells which mainly consist of Nuclei and Protoplasts. Their main functions are storage and photosynthesis. Parenchyma is found in the soft part of plants like the Mesophyll part of the leaves, in fruits, flowers and in the young stems. Parenchyma is also present in the ground tissue and is found in the stem and leaves.
3. The parenchyma cell is of what type ?
Parenchyma cells are composed of undifferentiated cells. Living, permanent tissues, parenchyma cells are alive at maturity. The Parenchyma cells function in storage, in the process of photosynthesis, in secretion , in assimilation and also in the bulk of ground and vascular tissues. The Parenchyma cells are known to be elongated cells which are located in many leaves and are just below the epidermal tissue. They can also be oval, polygonal or round in shape too. Parenchyma also contains small vacuoles.
4. Explain the structure of Parenchyma in brief.
A cell that is alive and has a prominent Nuclei and Protoplast, the Parenchyma cells come in various shapes like oval, round,polygonal or elongated. Their thin cell walls are made up of Cellulose. The cells of the Parenchyma tissue are joined by Plasmodesmata( the linking of the cells of one tissue to another tissue). Many small vacuoles are present which may accumulate tannins. Water is found in abundance and hence the Parenchyma also acts as a water reservoir. The presence of the chloroplasts in the cells are for performing Photosynthesis.
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6. Why parenchyma is very important for plants?
Parenchyma is vital for plants because it serves various essential functions, including storage of nutrients, photosynthesis, gas exchange, wound healing, and structural support.
7. What is the parenchyma made up of?
Parenchyma is primarily composed of thin-walled cells with a large central vacuole, cytoplasm, and nucleus. These cells may contain chloroplasts in photosynthetic tissues.
8. Is parenchyma present in flowers?
Yes, parenchyma is present in flowers, where it contributes to functions such as nutrient storage and providing structural support to floral organs.
9. Is the main function of parenchyma?
The main function of parenchyma cells varies depending on their location within the plant. Generally, parenchyma cells play roles in photosynthesis, storage of nutrients, gas exchange, and wound healing.
10. Is parenchyma thick or thin?
Parenchyma cells typically have thin cell walls, making them well-suited for various functions such as gas exchange, nutrient storage, and cell-to-cell communication.
11. Why is it called parenchyma?
The term "parenchyma" originates from the Greek words "para," meaning beside, and "enchyma," meaning infusion. It describes the tissue's arrangement, as it often surrounds other tissues in plants.
12. Does parenchyma help in transpiration?
Parenchyma does play a role in transpiration, primarily through its participation in gas exchange. However, specialised tissues like stomata and guard cells are more directly involved in regulating transpiration rates.
13. Is parenchyma present in fruits?
Yes, parenchyma is commonly present in fruits, where it contributes to functions such as nutrient storage, water storage, and structural support.
14. What are the Types of Parenchyma?
The types of parenchyma include:
Aerenchyma: This type of parenchyma possesses large air spaces, facilitating buoyancy and aiding in gaseous exchange in aquatic plants.
Chlorenchyma: Chlorenchyma contains chloroplasts, enabling photosynthesis, and is commonly found in green parts of plants such as leaves.
Storage Parenchyma: Storage parenchyma stores various substances such as starch, proteins, oils, and water, serving as reservoirs of nutrients for the plant.
Prosenchyma: Prosenchyma refers to elongated parenchyma cells found in certain plant parts like the stems, providing mechanical support.
Secretory Parenchyma: This type of parenchyma is involved in secreting various substances, including resins, latex, and oils, which can deter herbivores or pathogens or aid in wound healing.
15. What is Parenchyma Tissue?
Parenchyma tissue is one of the fundamental types of plant tissues, characterized by its simple structure and diverse functions. Comprising loosely packed cells with thin cell walls, parenchyma tissue is found throughout the plant body, including the leaves, stems, roots, and fruits. Its primary functions include photosynthesis, storage of nutrients, secretion, and providing structural support. Parenchyma cells contain large central vacuoles and are often metabolically active, contributing to processes like respiration and water regulation. Due to its versatility and widespread distribution, parenchyma tissue plays a crucial role in maintaining the overall health and function of plants.