Question

Under what circumstances does the Aerenchyma form?

Answer 1

Aerenchyma:

1. Aerenchyma is a modified parenchymatous tissue with vast intracellular air gaps found primarily in aquatic plants, where it aids in gaseous exchange and buoyancy.
2. Aerenchyma is a spongy tissue found in the leaves, stems, and roots of halophytic plants that creates spaces/air channels.

Circumstances:

1. Because of the low oxygen levels in flooded areas, plants become asphyxiated.
2. When there isn't enough oxygen, the roots can't breathe aerobically and must switch to anaerobic metabolism.
3. The transport and uptake of ions are inhibited in this state, resulting in a decrease in phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium concentrations in the shoot.
4. Plants collect ethylene, water-insoluble.
5. Oxygen diffusion into roots and ethylene diffusion from roots are both inhibited under wet environments.
6. This causes neighboring cortical cells to lyse, resulting in the formation of interconnecting gas-filled chambers known as aerenchyma.
7. This allows for some gas exchange between the aerated and submerged components.