[Campbell Biology P.813] Mature parenchyma cells are highly versatile and play crucial roles... | Practice Question

Mature parenchyma cells are highly versatile and play crucial roles in plant metabolism and development. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic or function attributed to parenchyma cells based on the provided text?

  • A: Performing photosynthesis within chloroplasts in the leaf.
  • B: Storing starch in colorless plastids called amyloplasts in stems and roots.
  • C: Being dead at functional maturity and providing rigid support through lignified walls.
  • D: Retaining the ability to divide and differentiate into other cell types during wound repair.

Explanation

The statement 'Being dead at functional maturity and providing rigid support through lignified walls' describes sclerenchyma cells, not parenchyma cells. Parenchyma cells are typically living at maturity and have thin, flexible primary walls, focusing on metabolic functions, storage, and retaining the ability to divide and differentiate.