Final answer:
Parenchyma cells are a type of simple tissue found in plant organs, involved in photosynthesis, wound healing, and starch storage. These cells vary in shape and make specimens appear either uniform or display a variety of cell shapes depending on their functions within the simple tissue category. They are integral to plant dermal, vascular, and ground tissue systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
Parenchyma cells are a type of simple tissue in plants that are characterized by a variety of shapes, such as oval and polygonal, leading specimens to display a mix of these cell shapes. These cells encompass the functional cells of glands or organs, distinct from supportive or connective tissues. Some key features of parenchyma cells include their role in metabolic functions like photosynthesis, the ability to repair and heal wounds, and the capacity to store starch. They are prevalent in parts of the plant such as the stem, roots, inner leaf areas, and fruit pulp.
A simple tissue is defined by cells that are morphologically similar, making the specimen appear uniform, or by cells that are elongated and tapered, displaying elongated cells in the specimen. However, not all simple tissues display the same cell shapes; instead, it is a category that includes various cell types based on the similarity of function rather than strictly by shape.
Within a plant, organs contain both simple and complex tissues. Important tissue systems within the stem include the dermal tissue (outer covering), vascular tissue (xylem and phloem for transport), and ground tissue (for photosynthesis and support), with the latter comprised of parenchyma among others.