Which types of specialized parenchyma are found in eudicot leaf
There are several types of specialized parenchyma found in eudicot leaves:
1. Palisade parenchyma: This is the upper layer of the mesophyll and consists of elongated cells that are arranged vertically. These cells contain chloroplasts and are responsible for most of the photosynthesis in the leaf.
2. Spongy parenchyma: This is the lower layer of the mesophyll and consists of loosely packed, irregularly shaped cells with air spaces between them. These cells also contain chloroplasts and are involved in gas exchange.
3. Bundle sheath cells: These are specialized parenchyma cells that surround the vascular bundles in the leaf. They have thick walls and little or no intercellular spaces, which helps to prevent water loss from the leaf.
4. Transfer cells: These are specialized parenchyma cells that are involved in transporting nutrients from the leaf to other parts of the plant. They have highly folded cell walls, which increases their surface area and facilitates nutrient uptake.
In eudicot leaves, there are three types of specialized parenchyma cells found: mesophyll cells, palisade parenchyma cells, and spongy parenchyma cells.
1. Mesophyll cells: These are the most abundant specialized parenchyma cells in eudicot leaves. They are responsible for photosynthesis and are located in the mesophyll tissue, which is the tissue between the upper and lower epidermis. Mesophyll cells contain chloroplasts for the production of energy through photosynthesis.
2. Palisade parenchyma cells: These cells are elongated and closely packed in the upper region of the mesophyll tissue, just below the upper epidermis. They are responsible for the majority of photosynthesis in eudicot leaves. Palisade parenchyma cells contain numerous chloroplasts, which maximize their ability to capture sunlight for photosynthesis.
3. Spongy parenchyma cells: These cells are located in the lower region of the mesophyll tissue, just above the lower epidermis. They are characterized by having irregular shapes and large air spaces between them. Spongy parenchyma cells facilitate gas exchange, allowing carbon dioxide to enter the leaf and oxygen to exit during photosynthesis. They also store water and nutrients for the plant.
These three types of specialized parenchyma cells work together to perform photosynthesis, gas exchange, and nutrient storage in eudicot leaves.