Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

parenchyma

noun

/pəˈrɛŋ.kɪ.mə/

Definition

Parenchyma refers to the functional tissue of an organ, especially in plants, that is responsible for photosynthesis, storage, and tissue repair.

Examples

The parenchyma of the leaf is essential for photosynthesis.
In the human liver, hepatocytes are considered parenchyma as they perform crucial metabolic processes.
Parenchyma cells in fruits contribute to their texture and juiciness.

Meaning

In the context of botany, parenchyma is a type of simple tissue that is composed of living cells that can divide and differentiate. In animals, it denotes the essential tissue that performs the main functions of an organ.