The mesophyll tissue of Pinus needle is -a)Collenchymab)Spongy parench...
The ground tissue system, the mesophyll, is divided into two regions: the palisade parenchyma, located beneath the upper epidermis and composed of columnar cells oriented perpendicular to the leaf surface, and spongy parenchyma, located in the lower part of the leaf and composed of irregularly shaped cells.
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The mesophyll tissue of Pinus needle is -a)Collenchymab)Spongy parench...
The mesophyll tissue of Pinus needle is Armed parenchyma.
The mesophyll tissue of a plant is responsible for photosynthesis, which is the process of converting sunlight into energy for the plant. In the case of Pinus (pine) needles, the mesophyll tissue is composed of a specialized type of parenchyma cells known as armed parenchyma.
Armed Parenchyma:
Armed parenchyma is a type of parenchyma tissue that has additional structural adaptations to protect the plant from herbivory. It is characterized by the presence of needle-like crystals called raphides, which are composed of calcium oxalate. These crystals act as a deterrent to herbivores by causing mechanical injury when ingested.
Function:
The presence of armed parenchyma in the mesophyll tissue of Pinus needles provides several benefits to the plant:
1. Defense against herbivory: The presence of raphides acts as a defense mechanism against herbivores. When an herbivore attempts to feed on the needle, the raphides cause mechanical injury to its mouthparts or digestive system, deterring further feeding.
2. Structural support: The presence of armed parenchyma helps maintain the structural integrity of the needle. The needle-like crystals provide additional strength to the tissue, making it more rigid and resistant to bending or breaking.
3. Water storage: Parenchyma cells in general are involved in storing water and nutrients. The armed parenchyma in Pinus needles may also serve this function, helping the plant withstand periods of drought or water scarcity.
Other Mesophyll Tissues:
It is worth mentioning that other types of mesophyll tissues can also be found in plant leaves, depending on the species and their respective adaptations:
1. Collenchyma: Collenchyma cells have thickened cell walls and provide mechanical strength to plant tissues. They are often found beneath the epidermis and help support the leaf structure.
2. Spongy parenchyma: Spongy parenchyma cells are loosely packed and have large intercellular spaces. They facilitate gas exchange, allowing for the diffusion of gases such as carbon dioxide and oxygen between the mesophyll cells and the external environment.
3. Transfusion tissue: Transfusion tissue is a specialized type of parenchyma that is found in some plants, particularly those with high transpiration rates. It helps transport water and nutrients between the upper and lower surfaces of the leaf, improving water and nutrient uptake.
In summary, the mesophyll tissue of Pinus needles is composed of armed parenchyma, which provides defense against herbivory, structural support, and possibly water storage. This specialized tissue contributes to the overall adaptation of Pinus needles to their environment.
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