Caryenchyma is a term used in plant anatomy to describe a type of tissue responsible for storing carbohydrates and performing mechanical functions. The word is spelled /kæriˈɛŋkɪmə/ and is derived from the Greek words "karyon," meaning "nut," and "enchyma," which refers to a poured substance. The correct pronunciation is "KA-ree-EN-ki-muh," with the emphasis on the second syllable. The spelling of this word can be tricky due to the combination of rare letters and unusual sounds.
Caryenchyma is a term used in plant anatomy to refer to a specialized type of parenchyma tissue present in the seed of certain plants, primarily gymnosperms and angiosperms. It is derived from the Greek words "carya," meaning nut, and "enchyma," which means infusion or poured in.
Caryenchyma is primarily responsible for storing nutrients and reserves required for the germination and early growth of the seedling. It is composed of living cells with thin cell walls, large intercellular spaces, and abundant cytoplasm containing various nutrients, such as proteins, starch, oils, and lipids.
The cells of caryenchyma are usually irregularly shaped and loosely packed, allowing for efficient storage and easy mobilization of reserves during seed germination. These reserves are essential nutrients that provide energy and building blocks for the growing embryo until it can establish its own photosynthetic capabilities.
Another important function of caryenchyma is to provide protection to the developing embryo. The large intercellular spaces within this tissue allow for the exchange of gases, facilitating respiration during seed germination and early stages of growth.
Overall, caryenchyma plays a crucial role in the successful establishment and survival of young plants by supporting their nutritional needs, protecting the developing embryo, and facilitating the transition from a dormant seed to an actively growing seedling.
The more fluid portion of the caryoplasm, or protoplasm of a nucleus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "caryenchyma" directly originates from the Greek word "karyon" meaning "nut" or "kernel" and the Greek word "enchyma" meaning "infusion" or "liquid". "Karyon" is the same root word from which we get terms like "nucleus" in biology. The combination of these two Greek words forms "caryenchyma", which refers to the nutritive tissue found within the seed of a plant.