Differentiate between parenchyma, collenchyma, and sclerenchyma on the basis of their cell walls.


Parenchyma cells are the type of living plant cells known for their healing and repair mechanisms and food storage. Parenchyma forms the "filler" tissue in the soft parts of plants and is usually present in the cortex, pericycle, pith, and medullary rays in the primary stem and root. Parenchyma cells are living and unspecialized cells. They are known as unspecialized because these cells although living differentiated cells and have lost the capacity to further divide, these cells regain the capacity of division under certain circumstances. 


Collenchyma cells have thin primary walls with some areas of secondary thickening. Collenchyma cells are known for providing mechanical support to the plants, by protecting the delicate inner part of the plant. 


Sclerenchyma cells are matured dead cells and are found in the wooden part or hard stem of the plant.  Sclerenchyma cells are elongated, dead cells with lignin deposits in their cell wall. They have no intercellular gaps. It is found in the covering of seeds and nuts, around the vascular tissues in stems, and in the veins of leaves. Its main function is to provide strength to the plant.

Updated on: 06-Jan-2023

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