What type of plant tissue is responsible for photosynthesis?

The type of plant tissue that is primarily responsible for photosynthesis is parenchyma. This tissue is composed of living cells that often contain chloroplasts, which are the organelles where photosynthesis occurs. Parenchyma cells are typically found in the leaves, stems, and roots of plants, and they have relatively thin cell walls that allow for gas exchange and the transfer of nutrients.

In leaves, specifically, parenchyma forms the mesophyll, which is crucial for the process of capturing sunlight and converting carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. The arrangement of chloroplast-containing parenchyma cells maximizes light absorption, making them highly efficient at photosynthesis.

In contrast, the other types of plant tissues mentioned are not directly involved in the photosynthetic process. Phloem is responsible for transporting sugars and organic nutrients throughout the plant, while xylem is involved in water and mineral transport. Collenchyma primarily provides structural support to young plant parts and does not have the same photosynthetic function as parenchyma.