Question

If sclerenchyma cells are non living and dead at maturity how can they divide?

Answer 1

As a matter of fact,when sclerenchyme cells are fully mature,they die. Once they are dead,they simply maintain the structure of the plant and donot require further maintenance,freeing the plant to concentrate om other areas while having the support and strength it needs.
Sclerenchyma:Sclerenchyma have thick, nonelastic secondary cell walls and are dead at maturity. Sclerenchyma cells support and strengthen nonexpanding tissues of the plant such as mature roots, stems, and leaves. There are two types of sclerenchyma cells, sclereids and fibers, which are distinguished by their shape and grouping. Sclereids are variable in shape, are short, and exist singularly or in small groups. Fibers are elongated and slender and exist either singularly or in bundles.
Sclereids: occur throughout a plant. They are responsible for hard seed coats, and hulls of pea pods. Sclereids are found in the flesh of pears where they give the gritty texture.
: originally differentiate from parenchyma cells after their extension. Fibers are classified in several ways. Commonly, fibers are classified according to their location within the plant. For example, xylem fibers or phloem fibers. Commercially, fibers are classified according to their strength. For example, hard fibers (ones that contain large amounts of lignin - usually from associated xylem cells), and soft fibers (ones that do not contain lignin). Hard fibers such as jute (from Corchorus capsularis), hemp (from Musa textilis, Furcraea gigantea, Cannabis sative), and sisal (from Agave sisalana) are used for making ropes, cords, and twines. Soft fibers such as flax (form Linumusitatissimum) are used for making linen, and also ramie (form Boehmeria nivea) which is also used for making textiles. Cotton, however, is not a sclerenchyma fiber. Cotton is formed from elongated epidermal cells that form from trichomes on the surfaces of seed coats.