Question

In no green parts of a plant such as a potato the cells of parenchyma tissue lack chloroplasts but have large vacuoles and thin, flexible cell walls. This structure enables the tissue to perform which function?

Answer 1

Non-green parts of a plant, like a potato's parenchyma tissue, lack chloroplasts but have large vacuoles and flexible cell walls, which facilitate the storage of nutrients, especially starch. These cells support plant structure and survive unfavorable conditions by aiding in the growth when conditions are favorable.

Step-by-step explanation:

The cells in non-green parts of a plant, particularly in structures like a potato's parenchyma tissue, have unique features that distinguish them from the photosynthetic cells in the green parts of a plant. While they lack chloroplasts, they possess large vacuoles and have thin, flexible cell walls primarily made of cellulose. This configuration allows the parenchyma cells to store nutrients and water, thus enabling them to perform storage functions, mainly of starch in the case of potato tubers. The enlargement of the central vacuoles increases the cell size without the need to produce more cytoplasm, which is efficient for storing substances.

The cell wall in these cells still provides structural support and protection, helping to maintain the shape of the cells. In potatoes, these adapted parenchyma cells are key for the storage of starch in tubers, which can then be mobilized when the plant requires energy for growth, especially during sprouting.

Answer 2

Answer: The nature of parenchyma tissue in non-green plant portions, like potatoes, makes it possible for them to serve as storage organs.

Step-by-step explanation:

Cells in parenchyma tissue have thick, flexible cell walls and big vacuoles. These cells are not engaged in photosynthesis because they lack chloroplasts. Instead, they serve as the plant's major storage system for nutrients, water, and other materials.

The parenchyma cells of a potato store starch as a sort of energy reserve. The storage tissue can expand and contract as needed due to the thin and flexible cell walls and the huge vacuoles that allow the accumulation of water and other dissolved chemicals.

Overall, the shape of parenchyma tissue in plants' non-green portions supports its function in storing nutrients and preserving the physiological balance of the entire plant.