Ground Tissue System

Parenchyma tissue and cells

• most basic cell type forming masses inside roots, leaves, stems, fruits for new growth and wound healing

• cells isodiametric, thin-walled, living at maturity, able to divide

• often modified and specialized; photosynthesis (chlorenchyma), storage of water and nutrients, secretion (nectaries), production of resin (resin ducts) and latex (laticifers)

collenchyma tissue and cells

• found in strands or cylinders in stems and petioles; for support and flexibility of young, growing parts

• elongated, living at maturity; corners of walls thickened with pectin

sclerenchyma tissue and cells

• found throughout plant bodies; for strength and support of mature parts; protection

• dead at maturity, with (lignified) secondary walls; the lignin will stain dark red

• may be long and slender (fibers) or short and stout (sclereids)

Pectin

flexibility and “glue”

Lignin

for strength (wood)

Cutin

for repelling water from surface

Suberin

for “corky” protection from water loss