06. Simple Tissue

Plant tissues composed mainly of one type of cell; the three main types are parenchyma, collenchyma, and sclerenchyma.

Simple Tissues

A simple plant tissue composed of living, relatively unspecialized cells with thin cell walls that performs functions such as storage, photosynthesis, and wound healing.

Parenchyma

Living plant cells with thin cell walls that are capable of storage, photosynthesis, and tissue repair.

Parenchyma Cells

Found throughout most parts of the plant, including leaves, stems, roots, and fruits.

Parenchyma Plants

Parenchyma Functions

Storage, photosynthesis, wound healing, and tissue repair.

*Parenchyma tissue containing abundant chloroplasts and specialized for photosynthesis.

Chlorenchyma

Parenchyma Examples

Vascular-associated tissues, leaf mesophyll, fruit pulp, and some seed tissues.

A simple plant tissue that provides flexible support to young, actively growing plant parts that is firm

Collenchyma

Living cells with unevenly thickened, flexible walls that allow the tissue to stretch as the plant grows.

Collenchyma Cells

Collenchyma Function

Provides flexible mechanical support to growing plant parts.

Unevenly thickened living cell walls that provide support while allowing flexibility and elongation.

Collenchyma Cell Walls

Collenchyma Examples

Strands of celery stalks and the stems, petioles, and leaves of young plants.

A simple plant tissue that provides rigid mechanical support and strength.

Sclerenchyma

Dead cells with thick, lignified walls that are typically dead at maturity and provide rigid support.

Sclerenchyma Cells

Thick, heavily lignified (lignin) walls that make cells tough and durable.

Sclerenchyma Cell Walls

Sclerenchyma Function

Provides mechanical stiffness, strength, and rigid support.

Sclerenchyma Types

Fibers and sclereids.

Elongated sclerenchyma cells that provide strength and mechanical support.

Fibers

*Shorter, irregularly shaped sclerenchyma cells with thick, lignified walls that provide hardness and protection.

Sclereids

Sclerenchyma Examples

Stone fruits, fibers, nut shells, inner bark, and leaf veins.