How does collenchyma tissue provide support to plants without hindering their growth?

Collenchyma tissue provides flexible support to plants without hindering their growth because its cells are living and have irregularly thickened cell walls, particularly at the corners, due to the deposition of pectin and hemicellulose. Unlike sclerenchyma, collenchyma cells are not lignified, which allows them to remain pliable and stretchable. This flexibility enables young stems and petioles to bend without breaking as they grow and respond to environmental stimuli, accommodating the elongation of the plant parts.