WB01705.gif (1157 bytes)   Collenchyma-2  WB01704_.gif (383 bytes)

Celery is the Queen of Collenchyma. ColenCelBlu160.jpg (15537 bytes)
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.ColenCelryHiMag160.jpg (10454 bytes) 
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 illustratesCollenWallEMLab.jpg (20906 bytes) 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.

NymphCollen250.jpg (32308 bytes)Find the Collenchyma in this Waterlily petiole! 

First, find the Epidermis & the Collenchyma can't be far away!

Collenchyma in Ricinis (Castor Bean). Ricinis250.jpg (23832 bytes)
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.

CannabisCollenFibersLab.jpg (169181 bytes)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.

CollenLSTBIndivCells.jpg (115921 bytes)CollenchymaLSTB-2-300.jpg (100679 bytes)
CollenOverLowMagLab.jpg (321046 bytes)
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 WB01570_.gif (184 bytes)
CollenLS-1.jpg (290658 bytes)

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.

CollenCellEndWallLab.jpg (88563 bytes)
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