Question

Write the functions of parenchyma, collencyma and sclerenchyma.

Answer 1

Functions of parenchyma:
(i) The main function of parenchyma is to store and assimilate food. Hence, they are referred to as food storage tissues.
(ii) It serves as a packing tissue to fill the spaces between other tissues and maintain the shape and firmness of the plant.
(iii) It stores waste products of plants.

Functions of collenchyma:
(i) It is a mechanical tissue and provides mechanical support and elasticity to the stems of dicot plants.
(ii) If its cells possess chloroplast, then it is involved in manufacturing sugar and starch.
(iii) It provides tensile strength and flexibility to the plant body.

Function of sclerenchyma: 
(i) It provides mechanical strength to the plant.
(ii) It is involved in providing protection and strength to the plant body.
(iii) It makes the plant body rigid, flexible, and elastic.