Three Basic Cell
Types in Plants
Parenchyma
Parenchyma cells operate while alive. They are large vacuoles with thin walls that pack nicely. A parenchyma cell is a 14 sided cell structure that is not specialized. In leaves, parenchyma contain chloroplasts and are called cholrenchyma.
Sclerenchyma
Sclerenchyma function as dead cells. They have thick cell walls impregnated with lignin and provide rigid support.
Collenchyma
Collenchyma cells function while alive. They make a very flexible support tissue and have visibly thick cell walls.