Ulearngo

Collenchyma Tissue

Collenchyma is a simple, permanent tissue typically found in the shoots and leaves of plants. Collenchyma cells are thin-walled but the corners of the cell wall are thickened with cellulose. This tissue gives strength, particularly in growing shoots and leaves ...

Collenchyma Tissue

Collenchyma is a simple, permanent tissue typically found in the shoots and leaves of plants. Collenchyma cells are thin-walled but the corners of the cell wall are thickened with cellulose. This tissue gives strength, particularly in growing shoots and leaves due to the thickened corners. The cells are tightly packed and have fewer inter-cellular spaces.

Collenchyma
Diagram Micrograph
collenchyma

Collenchyma cells are thin walled with lignified corners.
collenchyma-micrograph

Light microscope image of collenchyma cells.
Collenchyma
Structure Function
Cells are spherical, oval or polygonal in shape with no intercellular spaces. This allows for close packing to provide structural support.
Corners of cell wall are thickened, with cellulose and pectin deposits. Provides mechanical strength.
Cells are thin-walled on most sides. Provides flexibility, allowing plant to bend in the wind.

Fact:

  • Collenchyma tissues make up the strong strands observed in stalks of celery.
  • The growth of collenchyma tissue is affected by mechanical stress on a plant. For instance if the plant is constantly shaken by the wind the walls of collenchyma may be 40–100% thicker than those that are not shaken.

Video: Simple Permanent Tissues

Learn more about permanent simple tissues in this optional video below.

This lesson is part of:

Plant and Animal Tissues

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