Pronunciation: [kˈɒlɪnt͡ʃˌɪmə] (IPA) 
Collenchyma is a type of plant tissue that supports young and growing organs. It is spelled as /kəˈlɛŋkəmə/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The "col-" prefix is pronounced as /kəl/ and the "lenchyma" part is pronounced as /ˈlɛŋkəmə/. The "chyma" syllable is pronounced with a hard "k" sound instead of the common "ch" sound. It's important to spell the word correctly as it's a specific term used in biology and agriculture.
Collenchyma is a type of plant tissue that is classified as a simple permanent tissue. It is made up of living cells and is characterized by thickened primary cell walls, often irregularly thickened due to the presence of cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin. These cells are elongated and have a flexible structure, providing support and protection to the plant body.
The cells of collenchyma tissue are generally found in regions of the plant that are still growing and developing, such as the stems, petioles, and leaf veins. This tissue helps in providing mechanical strength to these parts, allowing them to maintain their shape and withstand the stresses of wind, rain, and other external forces.
Collenchyma cells can be differentiated into three types based on the arrangement and thickness of their cell walls: angular, lacunar, and tangential. Angular collenchyma cells have thickened corners, while lacunar collenchyma cells have intercellular spaces or gaps. Tangential collenchyma cells have thickened side walls.
The primary function of collenchyma tissue is to lend support and flexibility to the plant, helping it to withstand bending or twisting movements. Additionally, it also plays a role in conducting water and nutrients, as well as storing metabolites. Overall, collenchyma tissue plays a critical role in the overall structural integrity of the plant, allowing it to grow and thrive in its environment.
In bot., the substance lying between and uniting cells.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "collenchyma" derives from the Greek words "kolle" meaning "glue" or "glued together" and "enchyma" meaning "infusion" or "something poured in". The term was first used by the German botanist Matthias Schleiden in 1839 to describe a type of tissue in plant stems characterized by flexible cell walls and a support function. The name "collenchyma" was chosen to emphasize the cohesive nature of this tissue due to the thickened cell walls, which give it the ability to provide mechanical support to growing plant parts.
