Differentiate between parenchyma, collenchyma and sclerenchyma

Q- Differentiate between parenchyma, collenchyma and sclerenchyma.

Answer- Parenchyma:

1. The word Parenchyma is formed of two Greek words ‘para’ that means ‘beside’ and ‘enchyma’ that means ‘in filling’.

2. Parenchymal cells are oval, rounded or polygonal shaped and isodiametric.

3. Parenchymal cells are loosely packed.

4. Parenchymal cells are thin walled and living.

5. Parenchymal cells primarily helps in storage of food (such as starch grains in the parenchymal cells of potato tuber). It also provides support to the stem of herbaceous plants. It acts as packaging tissue between the specialized tissues.

Collenchyma:

1. The word Collenchyma is formed of two Greek words ‘Kolla’ that means ‘glue’ and ‘enchyma’ that means ‘in filling’.

2. Collenchymal cells are prismatic or elongated with pointed ends.

3. Collenchymal cells are not too much loosely packed.

4. Collenchymal cells are thick walled and living.

5. Collenchymal cells primarily help in mechanical support (Tensile strength) and elasticity (flexibility). So allow bending of leaves, stems e.t.c. without their breaking.

Sclerenchyma:

1. The word Sclerenchyma is formed of two Greek words ‘sclera’ that means ‘hard’ and ‘enchyma’ that means ‘in filling’.

2. Sclerenchyma cells are Isodiametric or elongated fibre-like.

3. Sclerenchyma cells are not too much closely packed.

4. Sclerenchymal cells are thick walled and dead.

5. Sclerenchyma cells are primarily for mechanical support (chief mechanical tissue), so enables the plant to resist various strains.

Easy way to draw labelled diagram of Parenchyma:

Leave a Comment