Final answer:
Parenchyma cells are involved in metabolic functions like photosynthesis and storage, collenchyma cells provide structural support, chlorenchyma cells contain chloroplasts for photosynthesis, and the cambium is responsible for secondary growth in stems and roots.
Step-by-step explanation:
The functions of various plant cells including parenchyma cells, collenchyma cells, chlorenchyma cells, and cambium are specialized to support the growth and physiology of plants.
Parenchyma cells are the most common type of plant cells and can be found in the stem, root, leaf interior, and fruit pulp. They are primarily responsible for metabolic processes like photosynthesis and play a role in healing wounds, as well as storing starch.
Collenchyma cells are elongated and have unevenly thickened walls. They provide structural support to the plant, particularly in the stem and leaves, and are commonly situated below the epidermis. A familiar example of collenchyma cells is the 'strings' in a celery stalk.
Chlorenchyma cells are a type of parenchyma cells that contain chloroplasts, which are crucial for the process of photosynthesis, allowing the plant to convert sunlight into energy.
The cambium is a layer of actively dividing cells located between the xylem and phloem in plants, and it is responsible for secondary growth, which increases the girth of stems and roots.