Parenchyma cells make up parenchyma tissue. Parenchyma cells are the most common of the cell types and are found in almost all major parts of higher plants. These cells are essentially spherical when they are first formed. However, these cells have thin walls, which are flattened at points of contact when many cells are packed together. Usually, they have many sides with the majority having 14 sides. These cells contain large vacuoles and may contain various fluids including starch, oil, tannins and crystals. Some parenchyma
cells contain many chloroplasts and make up the tissues found in leaves. This type of tissue is called chlorenchyma. The main function of this type of tissue is photosynthesis, while parenchyma tissues without chloroplasts are usually used for food or water storage. Additionally, some groups of cells are loosely packed with associated air spaces, such as in water lilies, this tissue is called aerenchyma tissue. These types of cells can also develop irregular extensions of the inner wall that increase the total surface area of the plasma membrane and facilitate the transfer of solutes between adjacent cells. Parenchyma cells can divide if mature, and this is essential for repairing plant tissue damage. Parenchyma cells and tissues comprise most of the edible parts of the fruit.
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