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Difference Between Parenchyma and Collenchyma Cells with Structure

Difference between Parenchyma and Collenchyma cells is provided below. NEET notes on the Difference between Parenchyma and Collenchyma cells are important for the NEET Botany Exam.
authorImageKhushboo Goyal9 Jun, 2025
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Difference between Parenchyma and Collenchyma cells

Difference Between Parenchyma and Collenchyma cells: NEET notes on the Difference between Parenchyma and Collenchyma cells are essential for the NEET exam. NEET Biology Syllabus consists of a botany part that covers all the important topics including Parenchyma and Collenchyma cells. Parenchyma and collenchyma cells are two types of plant cells with different roles. Parenchyma cells are the most common plant cells and help with storage, photosynthesis, and healing. They have thin, soft cell walls in leaves, stems, roots, and fruits.

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Collenchyma cells, on the other hand, offer support, especially in areas where the plant is growing. Their cell walls are thicker in some parts, which gives them both strength and flexibility. This helps the plant stay upright while still growing. These cells are mostly found in young stems and leaves. NEET aspirants can study the difference between parenchyma and collenchyma cells from the below notes.

What is Parenchyma?

Parenchyma is a simple, living tissue in plants that has not specialized into other types of cells. It makes up most of the plant's internal tissues and serves several functions:

  • Photosynthesis: Parenchyma cells in leaves have chloroplasts that help the plant make food through photosynthesis.
  • Storage: These cells store water and nutrients.
  • Wound Repair: They can divide to help the plant heal from injuries.
  • Gas Exchange: Parenchyma cells in leaves help with the exchange of gases.

What is Collenchyma?

Collenchyma is another type of simple, living tissue, but its main job is to support the plant. It has:

  • Thickened Cell Walls: Collenchyma cells have unevenly thick walls that give strength and flexibility.
  • Location: They are usually found in the outer layers of stems and leaves.
  • Function: These cells support the plant, especially in new growth areas, while allowing flexibility and further growth

Difference between Parenchyma and Collenchyma cells

For NEET students, learning the differences between plant cell types is essential for NEET botany exam. The table below shows the main differences between Parenchyma and Collenchyma cells, which play key roles in plant structure and function:

Difference Between Parenchyma and Collenchyma cells
Feature Parenchyma Cells Collenchyma Cells
Definition Living plant cells involved in storage, photosynthesis, and tissue repair Living plant cells providing mechanical support and flexibility
Cell Wall Thin and uniform, made of cellulose Thick and uneven, composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin
Shape Isodiametric (generally spherical or polyhedral) Elongated
Location Found in all parts of the plant (leaves, stems, roots, fruits) Found mainly in young stems, leaves, and petioles
Function Storage of food, photosynthesis, and healing Providing mechanical support and flexibility, preventing tearing of leaves
Intercellular Spaces Present, allowing for gas exchange Less or absent, providing structural support
Specialization Unspecialized cells Specialized cells
Cell Organelles Abundant, including chloroplasts, Golgi bodies, ribosomes, etc. Prominent nucleus and organelles

Parenchyma and Collenchyma Cellular Structure

Parenchyma cells have thin cell walls made of cellulose and usually have a large central vacuole. They are typically spherical or polygonal in shape and play important roles in storing food, and carrying out photosynthesis, respiration, and secretion.

On the other hand, Collenchyma cells have thick cell walls made of cellulose and hemicellulose. They are elongated in shape and do not have a central vacuole. Their main function is to provide mechanical support to young stems and leaves.

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Difference between Parenchyma and Collenchyma Cells FAQs

What are the differences between parenchyma, collenchyma, and sclerenchyma?

Parenchyma cells are living with thin walls and are mainly involved in storage and photosynthesis. Collenchyma cells are also living with thicker, uneven walls, providing support. Sclerenchyma cells are dead when mature, with thick, strong walls, giving rigid support and strength.

What is the difference between parenchyma and collenchyma cells?

Parenchyma cells are living cells with thin walls, mainly responsible for storage, photosynthesis, and healing tissues. Collenchyma cells are also living but have thicker, uneven walls, giving support and flexibility to growing parts of the plant.

What is the difference between collenchyma cells and sclerenchyma cells?

Collenchyma cells are living cells with unevenly thick walls, providing flexible support to growing parts of the plant. Sclerenchyma cells are dead when mature, with thick, evenly lignified walls, giving firm support and strength to mature plant parts. .

Is parenchyma xylem or phloem?

Parenchyma cells are found in both xylem and phloem tissues. In xylem, they help with storage and side transport, while in phloem, they assist in nutrient transport.

Is parenchyma living or dead?

Parenchyma cells are living and have the ability to divide. They are involved in functions like storage, photosynthesis, and tissue repair.
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