The main function of parenchyma is to provide support and to store food. In some plant parts, parenchyma has chlorophyll as well. In that case, parenchyma carries out photosynthesis and is then termed as chlorenchyma. In aquatic plants, large air cavities are present in parenchyma.

Factors involved in triggering cell differentiation include cell signaling, environmental influences and the level of development of the organism. Basic cell differentiation occurs after a sperm cell fertilizes an egg and the resulting zygote reaches a certain size.

They are of two types- phloem parenchyma and xylem parenchyma.

Storage of food & nutrients like starch, hormones, proteins, etc. is the primary function of parenchyma in plants. In the leaves and cortex of the young stem, parenchyma cells are associated with the manufacturing of food by photosynthesis.

Parenchyma tissue is composed of thin-walled cells and makes up the photosynthetic tissue in leaves, the pulp of fruits, and the endosperm of many seeds. Collenchyma cells mainly form supporting tissue and have irregular cell walls. They are found mainly in the cortex of stems and in leaves.

Parenchyma and Collenchyma Cells and its Differences

Plant parenchyma cells make up the bulk of leaves, flowers, and the growing, dividing inner parts of stems and roots. They perform functions such as photosynthesis, food storage, sap secretion, and gas exchange.

Parenchyma provides support to plants and also stores food. It is a basic packing tissue in plants. Parenchyma of stems and roots store water and nutrients. Sometimes it contains chlorophyll and performs photosynthesis ( called chlorenchyma) .

The main function of xylem is to transport water, and some soluble nutrients including minerals and inorganic ions, upwards from the roots to the rest of the plant. Xylem cells form long tubes that transport materials, and the mixture of water and nutrients that flows through the xylem cells is called xylem sap.

The xylem transports water and soluble mineral nutrients from the roots throughout the plant. It is also used to replace water lost during transpiration and photosynthesis…….. HOPE ITS HELP YOU!!!