Question

What is a Idioblast cell?

Answer 1

An idioblast is an isolated plant cell that differs from neighboring tissues. They have various functions such as storage of reserves, excretory materials, pigments, and minerals. They could contain oil, latex, gum, resin, tannin or pigments etc..
Most commonly, idioblasts are storage cells. But some idioblasts hold a defensive arsenal of poisons and pointy crystals! ​

Scientists believe that idioblasts are the precursors to many specialized cells, such as stomata, glands, and guard cells. When idioblast cells divide, they often create daughter cells different from themselves. These mutations have given rise to much of the diversity within the plant world. At the same time, many idioblasts have remained the same over time, providing important functions within a plant