Question

Explain the type of parenchyma tissues with their functions.

Answer 1

Parenchyma is also called fundamental or ground tissue. It occupies the majority of the plant body. Most of the tissues are accommodated in the parenchyma. It is present in all plant groups. In lower plants it is the main tissue. It is present in the cortex, mesophyll, pith, petals, fruits, seeds etc.

Complete answer:
Based on their function, parenchyma is divided into various types:
Chlorenchyma – These are parenchyma tissues which contain a large number of chloroplasts. It is concerned with photosynthesis and helps in the synthesis of food for the plants.
Example: palisade tissue and spongy tissue.
Aerenchyma – This type of parenchyma tissues are present in aquatic plants or hydrophytes. They help in the exchange of gases. They have air sacs that help in floating and maintain buoyancy. They have large intercellular spaces.
Food storage parenchyma – These are the tissues which store food material and are known as food storage parenchyma.
Example: beetroot, carrot
Water storage parenchyma – This type of parenchyma is mainly involved in the storage of water. It is stored in the form of mucilage. It is mainly found in xerophytes.
Vascular parenchyma – This type of parenchyma tissue which is found associated with the vascular tissues xylem and phloem. Hence, it is distinguished into xylem parenchyma and phloem parenchyma.

Note:
Parenchyma tissues are mainly associated with plants. They are responsible for the growth and development of the plants. However, we have these tissues too, but they are not involved in photosynthesis. Instead, they are involved in filtration and detoxification of waste from the kidneys.