Collenchyma meaning

Collenchyma is a type of plant tissue characterized by stringy cells that provide support to growing parts of the plant.


Collenchyma definitions

Word backwards amyhcnelloc
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division col-len-chy-ma
Plural The plural of the word collenchyma is collenchymas.
Total letters 11
Vogais (3) o,e,a
Consonants (6) c,l,n,h,y,m

Collenchyma is a type of simple, living plant tissue characterized by thickened cell walls. This tissue provides structural support to young stems, leaves, and petioles in growing plants. Cells of collenchyma are elongated and irregularly shaped, with thickened corners due to the deposition of cellulose and pectin.

Collenchyma cells are flexible, allowing for growth and expansion in developing plant parts. They are primarily found under the epidermis in dicotyledonous plants, forming a continuous layer or strands. This tissue is essential for withstanding mechanical stress while maintaining the flexibility needed for plant growth.

Structure of Collenchyma Tissue

The primary function of collenchyma is to provide mechanical support to growing plant organs. The cells have a thick primary cell wall made up of cellulose and pectin, with varying amounts of lignin. When stained, collenchyma cells appear elongated with a dense cytoplasm and a prominent nucleus.

Types of Collenchyma

There are three main types of collenchyma based on their arrangement within the plant tissue: angular collenchyma, tangential collenchyma, and lacunar collenchyma. Each type differs in the distribution of thickened cell walls and their position relative to the plant organ.

The angular collenchyma has thickened corners of the cell walls, providing support in multiple directions. Tangential collenchyma has localized thickening along the tangential walls and is often found in petioles. Lacunar collenchyma has thickened cell walls unevenly distributed, leaving open spaces between the cells.

Function of Collenchyma Tissue

Collenchyma tissue plays a crucial role in the structural support of young, growing plant parts. It enables the plant to withstand bending and stretching forces without collapsing. Additionally, collenchyma cells are metabolically active and may provide added defense against pathogens and environmental stresses.

Collenchyma contributes to plant growth by providing the necessary rigidity and flexibility for the plant to thrive. This tissue acts as a scaffold for cell expansion, allowing the plant to develop properly while maintaining its overall structure and integrity.

In conclusion, collenchyma is a vital plant tissue that ensures the structural integrity and growth of plants. Its unique properties make it an essential component in the development of various plant organs, ultimately contributing to the overall health and well-being of the plant.


Collenchyma Examples

  1. The collenchyma tissue provides structural support to young plant organs.
  2. The plant stem contains collenchyma cells that help in plant flexibility.
  3. Collenchyma cells have unevenly thickened cell walls for flexibility.
  4. Collenchyma cells are found beneath the epidermis of young stems.
  5. The presence of collenchyma tissue aids in the growth of plants.
  6. Collenchyma cells provide support to growing tissues in plants.
  7. The collenchyma layer helps prevent the bending of stems under wind pressure.
  8. Collenchyma is one of the three main types of ground, or fundamental, tissue in plants.
  9. Certain plant diseases can affect the structure and function of collenchyma cells.
  10. Collenchyma cells play a crucial role in plant growth and development.


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  • Updated 16/06/2024 - 15:15:14