Question

Write the functions of parenchyma, collenchyma and sclerenchyma.​

Answer 1

1. Functions of Parenchyma ​

• Parenchyma serves as a packing tissue, to fill the spaces between other tissues and maintain the shape and firmness of the plant.​

• Parenchyma serves as a food storage tissue. Parenchymatous tissue stores waste products of plants such as tannin, gum, crystals, resins or inorganic waste, etc. ​

• Chlorenchyma and aerenchyma are special types of parenchyma that performs photosynthesis and maintains buoyancy in aquatic plants respectively.​

2. Functions of Collenchyma​

• Collenchyma is a mechanical tissue in young dicotyledonous stems and provides mechanical support and elasticity. ​

• Collenchyma tissue also takes part in photosynthesis.​

3. Functions of Sclerenchyma​

• The sclerenchyma is mainly mechanical and protective in function. ​

• It gives strength, rigidity, flexibility, and elasticity to the plant body and, thus, enables it to withstand various strains.​