What is the Difference Between Collenchyma and Chlorenchyma?

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The main difference between collenchyma and chlorenchyma lies in their structure and function.

  • Collenchyma is a type of simple permanent ground tissue found in plants. It consists of living cells with unevenly thickened primary cell walls, made up of pectin and hemicellulose. Collenchyma cells are elongated or angular in shape in transverse sections and provide mechanical and structural support to plants. They may or may not contain chlorophyll.
  • Chlorenchyma, on the other hand, is a modified parenchyma tissue that contains chloroplasts and performs photosynthesis in plants. Chlorenchyma cells have primary cell walls made up of cellulose and are involved in the synthesis of organic compounds from carbon dioxide and water. They are mainly found in the mesophyll of leaves.

In summary, collenchyma is a ground tissue composed of unevenly thickened cells that provide mechanical and structural support to plants, while chlorenchyma is a specialized parenchyma tissue that performs photosynthesis.

Comparative Table: Collenchyma vs Chlorenchyma

Here is a table comparing the differences between collenchyma and chlorenchyma:

Feature Collenchyma Chlorenchyma
Definition Collenchyma is a type of ground tissue that contains unevenly thickened cells. Chlorenchyma is a modified parenchyma tissue that contains chlorophyll and is involved in photosynthesis.
Cell Wall Unevenly thickened primary cell walls made up of pectin and hemicellulose. Cell walls are not unevenly thickened like collenchyma.
Shape Elongated or angular in shape in transverse sections. Shape of the cells is not a distinguishing feature.
Function Provides mechanical and structural support to plants. Involved in photosynthesis and assimilation.

In summary, collenchyma is a ground tissue composed of unevenly thickened cells that provide mechanical and structural support to plants, while chlorenchyma is a specialized parenchyma tissue involved in photosynthesis and assimilation.