spongy parenchyma

American  

noun

Botany.

1. the lower layer of the ground tissue of a leaf, characteristically containing irregularly shaped cells with relatively few chloroplasts and large intercellular spaces.

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spongy parenchyma Scientific  

/ spŭn′jē /

1. A layer of cells in the interior of leaves, consisting of loosely arranged, irregularly shaped cells that have chloroplasts. The spongy parenchyma has many spaces between cells to facilitate the circulation of air and the exchange of gases. It lies just below the palisade layer.

2. Also called spongy mesophyll

3. See more at photosynthesis

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Etymology

Origin of spongy parenchyma

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

The air space found between the spongy parenchyma cells allows gaseous exchange between the leaf and the outside atmosphere through the stomata.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Chloroplasts are also present in the spongy parenchyma, but are not as obvious.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

In aquatic plants, the intercellular spaces in the spongy parenchyma help the leaf float.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

The lower part of the mesophyll is made up of loosely packed spongy parenchyma.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

Abies, Tsuga, Larix, &c., the mesophyll is heterogeneous, consisting of palisade and spongy parenchyma.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 7 "Gyantse" to "Hallel" by Various