Type of ground tissue, they are elongated cells with irregularly thick cell walls that provide support and structure. Structure & Development: Large central vacuole. Prominent nucleus. Living cells. Flexible. Irregularly thickened cell walls. Thick primary cell wall made up of cellulose and pectin. Secondary wall deposition starts in them. Located beneath the epidermis in the stem and roots of dicot. Usually absent in monocot stem and root. There are three main types of collenchyma: Lamellar collenchyma (uniformly thickened cell walls). Angular collenchyma (thickened at intercellular contact points). Lacunar collenchyma (collenchyma with intercellular spaces). Provides structural support. Filling of vacant spaces in young shoots and leaves that is later used for lateral growth. Provides elasticity to plant parts by allowing them to bend easily. Helps in photosynthesis. Storage of secretory products. Exchange of respiratory gases.