THE UBIQUITOUS PARENCHYMA
Plants contain many types of tissues and within each, various specialized cells – but none of them beat Parenchyma ! These are the biochemistry machines of the plant.
They are alive at maturity (unlike wood) and specialize into many forms. The basis for all plant function – they are everywhere and in abundance – just like our Garden Care team !!!
Their thin and permeable walls allows small molecules to move between cells.
In epidermis, some are specialized for light penetration, gas exchange, or defense (hairs). Others control water loss, heat, and light direction. Specialized cells store sugar, fats, and starches, or secrete oils, nectar and other compounds.
Parenchyma cells found amongst the wood tissue of branches.
Epidermal Parenchyma
In leaves, the two distinct parenchyma are specialized for light penetration and photosynthesis. They contain large amounts of chloroplasts. They also assist in regulating gas exchange (carbon dioxide) through Guard Cells (stomata).
cross section of a typical leaf
Some are also involved in secretion of nectar and manufacturing secondary chemical compounds that act as a protective material (toxins, oils, gum, alkaloids and irritants).
Typical leaf diagram showing two types of parenchyma cells
Storage Parenchyma
In many vegetables like potatoes, plantains, legumes and root tubers parenchyma will contain a large amount of starch.
Starch granules (blue) inside parenchyma cells of potato
Aerenchyma
They can also super specialize ! Stellate parenchyma (aerenchyma) in aquatic plants are composed of star-shaped cells with large air spaces between. The air is what keeps the leaves afloat!
Large air filled cells keep this water lily leaf afloat !
Big air spaces keep this water lily stem afloat too !
Glandular parenchyma
The production of sticky gum from glands on this bud keeps insects away (or stuck!)
For a garden full of parenchyma –
Call Plant Specialists TODAY !
Our Garden Care Team can help you with your garden needs!
Don’t delay – the sooner the better !
GREENING NEW YORK FOR OVER 52 YEARS !
Article written by our Staff Horticulturist, Peter B Morris, BSc, MSc, MBA
All photographs used with permission from @SHUTTERSTOCK
