Parenchyma containing chloroplasts are called Chlorenchyma and is found in green leaves and some green aerial organs. The cells of chlorenchyma tissues contain chloroplasts and hence perform the function of photosynthesis.
It is differentiated into 2 parts:
-
Palisade - This tissue has columnar cells arranged at right angles to the upper surface of the leaf. The cells are compactly arranged with little intercellular spaces. The palisade tissue is arranged so that to receive strong straight sun-rays.
-
Spongy Chlorenchyma - The cells of spongy chlorenchyma are lobed, rounded or irregular in shape and arranged to have large intercellular spaces. These are located in leaf and other aerial green organs in such a way as to receive mild sun rays. In most leaves, the spongy chlorenchyma lies near the lower epidermis.
