Parenkima

Parenkima is a term used in botany to describe the plant ground tissue composed of parenchyma cells. It is the most common and versatile simple tissue in plants, consisting of living cells with thin, flexible primary walls. Parenkima cells are typically polygonal in shape, have large central vacuoles, and retain the capacity for division and differentiation, which supports growth and wound repair.

The tissue forms several fundamental plant structures, including the cortex and pith of stems and roots, the photosynthetic mesophyll of leaves, and the edible soft tissue of many fruits. Variants of parenkima specialize for different functions. Chlorenchyma, a chloroplast-rich form, conducts photosynthesis in leaves and young stems. Storage parenkima store starch, lipids, and other reserves in tubers, seeds, and perennating organs. Aerenchyma is a spacious form found in aquatic plants, with extensive air spaces that aid buoyancy and gas exchange.

Functions of parenkima are broad and include photosynthesis, storage of nutrients and water, secretion in some tissues, and participation in wound healing and regeneration. Because parenkima cells retain metabolic activity, they can dedifferentiate to form regenerating tissue when needed, contributing to recovery after damage.

Parenkima is one of the three general categories of simple plant tissues, alongside collenchyma and sclerenchyma. Its wide distribution and functional versatility make it central to plant growth, metabolism, and adaptability across diverse species and environments. In some languages, parenkima is the equivalent of the botanist’s parenchyma.