Understanding Parenchymatous Cells
The term "parenchyma" refers to a type of plant tissue composed of living cells that are involved in various functions such as storage, photosynthesis, and tissue repair. In the context of plant biology, the undifferentiated mass of parenchymatous cells is specifically known as callus.
What is Callus?
- Definition: Callus is a mass of undifferentiated plant cells that typically forms at the site of injury or during tissue culture.
- Formation: When a plant is damaged, parenchymatous cells proliferate to form callus tissue as part of the healing process. This tissue can also develop in response to stress or when cultured in vitro.
Functions of Callus
- Wound Healing: Callus forms to seal wounds and protect the plant from pathogens.
- Regeneration: It serves as a precursor for developing new tissues, such as roots or shoots, during regeneration.
- Tissue Culture: In biotechnology, callus is essential for plant tissue culture techniques, allowing for the propagation of plants in sterile conditions.
Distinction from Other Options
- Cambium: This is a layer of actively dividing cells that contributes to secondary growth in plants, not an undifferentiated mass.
- Carotenoids: These are pigments found in plants, responsible for coloration and photosynthesis, but not related to cell mass.
- Cytokinesis: This refers to the process of cell division, not a mass of cells.
In summary, callus represents the undifferentiated mass of parenchymatous cells crucial for plant healing and regeneration, making it the correct answer for this question.