The Science of Biology
Vascular Plants: Structure and Function
The ground tissue of the vascular plant is responsible for storing the carbohydrates produced by the plant. Ground tissue comprises the majority of a young plant and lies between the vascular and dermal tissues.
The major cells of the ground tissue are parenchyma cells, which function in photosynthesis and nutrient storage. They have thin walls, many chloroplasts, and large vacuoles, and they form the mass of most leaves, stems, and roots.
Another cell of the ground substance is the sclerenchyma cell. Sclerenchyma cells are hollow with strong walls, and they help strengthen the ground tissue.
