Question

Give a short note on sclerenchyma.

Answer 1

Sclerenchyma:

1. Sclerenchyma cells are dead cells that are long and narrow in shape.
2. The cell wall is present and is thickened due to the presence of lignin. Lignin is a chemical substance that acts as cement and hardens the cell wall.
3. The lumen or cell cavity is absent.
4. The cells are closely packed to each other without any intercellular spaces.
5. The function of sclerenchyma is to provide strength, flexibility, and elasticity to the plants.
6. They are located in the stems around vascular bundles, veins of leaves, roots, etc.