Types of Plant Cells

• Meristematic cells are one of the plant cells responsible for the growth of the plant.
• shoots


  this is where the apical meristem can be found sometimes at the root and sometimes at the tip
• lateral meristem


  this part is found between the main stalk and the roots
• intercalary meristem


  this can be found between the stalk and a branching out stalk where the leaves can be, and is also pertained to as a node
• Parenchyma cells is the type of plant cell that does most of the work such as nutrient storage, transportation, and even photosynthesis.
• In leaves, parenchyma cells form the two mesophyll layers whete photosynthesis and gas exchange occurs.
• In roots and seeds, parenchyma cells are responsible for the storage of starch/fat/water.
• Parenchyma cells are also what makes up most of the structure of fruits.
• Parenchyma cells also create new structures to heal areas where a plant has been wounded.
• Collenchyma cells is the third type of cell that contributes to photosynthesis and nutrient storage, but its main function is for providing the plants a flexible structure.
• Collenchyma are long cells with thickened cell walls and when grouped together, they make that part of the plant stiffer.
• groups of collenchyma cells


  this can keep leaves from tearing, allow petioles, to bend in the wind, and essentially give the plant some room to stretch without
• petioles


  these are the little stems on the ends of leaves to bend and flex in the breeze
• Collenchyma cells have a variable thickness and even if they're stiff, they're also very flexible.
• Collenchyma Cells


  back-up system for the plant
• Sclerenchyma Cells


  these are dead cells in areas no longer growing
• Sclerenchyma cells also have thickened cell walls but they are dead and found in the areas of the plant that are no longer growing.
• Sclerenchyma cells provide the most support for the plant by creating woody tissue in the stem/trunks.
• cellulose and lignin


  sclerenchyma cells contain a lot of these complex biopolymers that are difficult to breakdown
• sclerenchyma fibers


  are stretched lengthwise in a plant stem and provides most of the support in a plant
• sclereids


  is the other group of sclerenchyma cells that are much more versatile
• Sclerenchyma fibers are what usually makes up rope and fabrics.
• Sclereids are what make up the shells of nuts, the hard coatings of seeds, and many other hardened structures in a plant.