Lignified parenchyma cells provide strength: plants

Parenchyma cells in plants provide mechanical support when they become lignified and thick-walled.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Maintain physical integrity >
	Manage structural forces >
	Compression

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Design ideas for adding strength to structures or materials.

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"Sometimes axially elongated cells of the 'packing' tissue, parenchyma, become thick-walled and lignified. These have similar functions to fibres, but their ends tend not to be pointed. Often no distinction is made between this cell type and true fibres. Cells of this type make up the bulk of the strengthening tissue in bamboos. They are arranged towards the periphery of the stem, the centre of which is often hollow, with transverse septa at intervals." (Cutler 2005:103)

About the inspiring organism

Plantae
Plantae

Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Design ideas for adding strength to structures or materials.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Architecture, building, nanotechnology, materials science

Experts

Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew
David F. Cutler

References

Cutler, DF. 2005. Design in plants. In: Collins, MW; Atherton, MA; Bryant, JA, editors. Nature and Design. Southampton, Boston: WIT Press. p 95-124

Lignified parenchyma cells provide strength: plants

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