Which type of plant tissue primarily stores nutrients and can also remain alive at maturity?

Parenchyma is the type of plant tissue that primarily functions in the storage of nutrients and can remain alive at maturity. This tissue is characterized by its thin cell walls and large vacuoles, which make it highly effective for storing substances such as starch, oils, and water. The living cells of parenchyma can also engage in metabolic processes, which allows them to contribute to the growth and repair of plants.

Unlike some other plant tissues, parenchyma cells do not have secondary cell walls, which is why they can live and function in a metabolically active state even when mature. This tissue type is also versatile, serving additional roles in photosynthesis and secretion, depending on its location in the plant.

The other plant tissues mentioned do not align with the characteristics of parenchyma. Collenchyma, while living at maturity, primarily provides support and is not primarily focused on nutrient storage. Sclerenchyma cells are typically dead at maturity and serve mainly structural purposes. Vascular tissue, which includes xylem and phloem, is specialized for transporting water and nutrients rather than storing them.