Collenchyma cells provide strength, flexibility: plants

1 of 1 Collenchyma tissue from celery / Clematis / License

Collenchyma cells in vascular plants support growing parts due to flexible cellulosic walls, which lignify once growth has ceased.

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

"In addition to the 'mechanical' cells - fibres and lignified parenchyma - a third cell type has mechanical functions. This is collenchyma. Collenchyma cells have walls which during their development and extension are mainly cellulosic. They grow with the surrounding tissue as it expands or lengthens. They are more flexible than fibres, and if they remain unlignified, as they might in association with leaf veins or midribs, or in leaf stalks (petioles), they allow for a high degree of flexibility in the organ itself. Often, after growth in length of stems has occurred, and more mechanical rigidity is an advantage, we find that the collenchyma cells become lignified, and function more as fibres." (Cutler 2005:105)

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

Collenchyma cells provide strength, flexibility: plants

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