Chlorenchyma vs. Aerenchyma

Chlorenchymanoun

(botany) A mechanical, supportive ground tissue in plants containing chloroplasts.

Chlorenchymanoun

parenchyma whose cells contain chloroplasts

Aerenchymanoun

(botany) A spongy, airy tissue found especially in the roots of aquatic plants

Aerenchyma

Aerenchyma or aeriferous parenchyma is a modification of the parenchyma to form a spongy tissue that creates spaces or air channels in the leaves, stems and roots of some plants, which allows exchange of gases between the shoot and the root. The channels of air-filled cavities (see image to right) provide a low-resistance internal pathway for the exchange of gases such as oxygen and ethylene between the plant above the water and the submerged tissues.