A cluster of similar cells performing the same, specialized function is known as a tissue. Since plants are multicellular enclosing a huge number of cells, each performing an activity.
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Plant tissues are of two types – Meristematic and Non-meristematic or permanent tissues. Permanent tissues furthermore are divided into simple permanent tissue and complex permanent tissue. Simple permanent tissues are furthermore classified into – parenchyma, collenchyma and sclerenchyma.
In this article – we focus on the differences between parenchyma and collenchyma.
Parenchyma Cells
- These are the living plant cells known to repair and heal and also to store food, forms a thin layer known as primary cell wall of the plant. They occur as a continuous mass, widely distributed from stems, roots to leaves and fruits
- Generates other special cells and tissues
- Isodiametric in shape, having thin cell walls hence experience pressure and force around the cells, therefore, cells increase its volume capacity to equalize all-over pressure on the cells
- Cells composed of cellulose and hemicellulose
- Show abundance in cell organelles such as – Golgi bodies, ribosomes, Chloroplast, Endoplasmic Reticulum, and other constituents such as pigments, fats, starch, proteins.
Collenchyma Cells
- Collenchyma is known to render mechanical support to plants by protecting the delicate inner structure of plants
- They have thick cell walls composed of cellulose, hemicellulose and pectin and are living cells. Cells comprise of prominent nucleus and organelles
- It carries out storage of food, checks for the tearing of leaves, carry out photosynthesis. They also push the organs of plants thus aiding in growth and elongation
Difference Between Parenchyma and Collenchyma Cells
Listed below are some differences between these cells:
| Parenchyma Cells | Collenchyma Cells |
| What it means | |
| Originate from ground and protoderm meristems | Originate from pro-cambium. Epidermal layer of plants are composed of collenchyma cells |
| Location | |
| Found in every delicate plant part | Specifically found in leaves, stems and petioles |
| Cell type | |
| Living and unspecialized cells | Living and specialized cells |
| Shape of the cell | |
| Isodiametric generally, may vary in shape | Elongated cells |
| Cell wall | |
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| Intercellular spaces | |
| Present between cells | Less space present |
| Function | |
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This article gave you insights into important differences between parenchyma and collenchyma cells. Explore differences between parenchyma, collenchyma and sclerenchyma cells at BYJU’S.
Also Read:
| Sclerenchyma |
| Difference between Meristematic and Permanent Tissue |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are simple permanent tissues?
Simple permanent tissues are made up of a single cell type, usually with the same origin, structure, and function. They are classified into three types – collenchyma, parenchyma and sclerenchyma.
What is a collenchyma tissue?
Collenchyma has thick cell walls composed of cellulose, hemicellulose and pectin. They render mechanical support to plants. Collenchyma cells are mostly found adjacent to outer growing tissues like the vascular cambium.
What is the structure of collenchyma tissue?
Collenchyma is made of long and thick-walled cells with no intercellular spaces. Their cell wall is composed of cellulose, hemicellulose and pectin. It is the only tissue with the highest refractive index due to the presence of pectin.
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