Functions of Parenchyma cells

Parenchyma cells form the ground tissue of plants. Parenchyma tissues perform various
important functions:

 Storage: Parenchyma cells have large intercellular space which is ideal for storage

 High amount of starch is present in the tubers of potato and cassava

 These can store water, fats, oil droplets, and ergastic substances
 Store water and act as a water reservoir
 Transport: Parenchyma cells transport nutrients and other chemicals
 Transfer cells have outgrowth for increasing absorption surface
 The xylem parenchyma helps in radial transportation of water and minerals
 Some cells transport light from the surface to underground cells
 Photosynthesis: Chlorenchyma present in the mesophyll and the other green parts of the
plant, have chloroplasts and perform photosynthesis
 Gas Exchange: Aerenchyma cells help in the gas exchange
 Protection: In gymnosperms, the parenchymatous cell have spiny projections that help in
the protection from predators
 Totipotent: Parenchyma cells have an ability to transform to the other types of cells and act
as a precursor for other types of cells
 Buoyancy: Aerenchyma present in aquatic plants have air sacs that help in floating
 Cuticle present on epidermis helps in reducing transpiration in water stress condition
 Thick-walled parenchyma cells provide mechanical strength to the plant
 Healing and regeneration: Parenchyma cells that retain their ability to divide even on
maturity help in regeneration and wound healing. Tyloses present in the xylem parenchyma
help in preventing damage to vascular tissues in the condition of drought.