Parenchyma cells MCQ - Practice Questions with Answers

Simple Permanent Tissues: Parenchyma

• Parenchyma is the most common type of simple permanent tissue.
• Its cells are morphologically and physiologically unspecialized.
• It forms the framework of all the plant tissue systems, so it is called the principle ground tissue.
• Cortex, pith, mesophyll of leaves, the pulp of the fruit, floral parts, medullary rays, etc. are made up of parenchyma. 
• The parenchyma cells are generally isodiametric but can also be elongated and lobed as seen in the mesophyll of leaves.
• These cells can be closely packed as in fruit pulp or can have intercellular spaces between them as in endosperm.
• The plasmodesmata are usually present between the parenchyma cells.
• They have a primary cell wall made of cellulose.
• They are capable of dedifferentiation and develop into secondary meristem.
• These are the living tissues in the plant body.

Forms of Parenchyma:

1. Chlorenchyma: parenchyma with chloroplast. Seen in mesophyll and palisade tissues of leaves.
2. Aerenchyma: Parenchyma with intercellular spaces filled with air. It is seen in aquatic plants.
3. Prosenchyma: Elongated parenchyma.
4. Stellate parenchyma: Star-shaped parenchyma.
5. Idioblast: Parenchyma with excretory material like tannins, resins, oils, calcium oxalate, etc.

Functions of Parenchyma:

1. Forms the ground tissue of the plant body. Because of unspecialized cells, they can perform many functions.
2. Storage of food.
3. Storage of mucilage.
4. Photosynthesis.
5. Secretion and excretion.
6. Protection.

TIP: A primary cell wall is made up of cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin.