Question

Which type of permanent tissue helps in storing food in plants.

• A. Parenchyma
• B. Collenchyma
• C. Xylem
• D. Phloem

Answer 1

The correct option is A

Parenchyma

The correct option is A.

Explanation of the correct option :

1. Parenchyma is found in the cortex of the root, ground tissue in stems, and mesophyll of leaves.
2. Parenchyma forms the bulk of the plant body. Hence, it is known as packing tissue. The cell walls are thin and are made of cellulose.
3. Parenchyma has loosely packed cells that contain intercellular spaces.
4. They store and assimilate food. They serve as a food storage tissue.
5. They give mechanical strength by maintaining turgidity.

Explanation of the incorrect options:

Option B:

1. Collenchyma is found below the epidermis of the dicot stem and leaf stalk.
2. Collenchyma is characterized by the deposition of extra cellulose at the corners of the cells. The cells are elongated in shape.
3. Collenchyma provides mechanical support to the stem. They provide tensile strength with flexibility to those organs in which it is found.

Option C:

1. Xylem is a vascular tissue. The xylem cells are thick-walled and many of them are dead.
2. Xylem transports water, minerals, and salts from the roots to different parts of the plant.

Option D:

1. Phloem is the living, vascular tissue.
2. Phloem is responsible for transporting food materials from leaves to other parts of the plants and also helps in the storage of food.

Final answer: Parenchyma is a permanent tissue that helps in storing food in plants.