Collenchyma-2  |
Celery is the Queen of
Collenchyma. 
These bundles stick between your teeth when you munch on Celery. The cell walls have loosely organized cellulose microfibrils and the pectins within are very hydrophilic.
This gives flexible, stretchable support to elongating structures like new stems
and petioles in the case of celery. |
High magnification of
Celery Collenchyma.
Note the uneven wall thickenings. Collenchyma cells contain chloroplasts, however, these
probably contribute little to the overall metabolism of the plant. Plastids
are NOT well developed in Collenchyma! |
This electron
micrograph illustrates the uneven wall thickenings as well as the loosely
organized cellulose fibrils. The Nucleus is in the center of the cell. Mitochondria
are visible in the cytoplasm. |
Find the Collenchyma in this Waterlily petiole!
First, find the Epidermis & the Collenchyma can't be far
away! |
Collenchyma in Ricinis
(Castor Bean). 
The uneven wall thickenings are on the tangential wall (parallel to the
surface). This is called Lamellar Collenchyma. This is not so
important but it can be used as a distinguishing trait. In many mature organs it is hard
to distinguish lamellar from angular. |
Collenchyma in Cannabis
sativa. Collenchyma may become Lignified.
This occurs in mature stems. How would this affect its mechanical
properties?
|
| Collenchyma
cells are
typically Elongate with some overlap at their end walls. The
pink color with Toluidine Blue indicates an abundance of Pectins and the absence of
Lignin. |
  |

Long Section of Collenchyma from Celery Stained with Toluidine Blue. The Pink
color indicates the presence of Pectins. Note the Elongate nature of the Collenchyma Cells
Above and in the Image on the Right  |
 |
High Magnification
Image of Celery Collenchyma Stained with Toluidine Blue. Follow the labeled cell from top
to botton & Note the Tapered End
Wall which overlaps with the Tip of an adjacent Collenchyma. This
"interdigiration" enhances the strength of this
tissue.
Sclerenchyma Fibers have a similar adaptation. |
 |
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