Question

Longest cells in plant kingdom with sclerenchyma fibres 55 cm long belong to

• A. Linum usitatissimum
• B. Figs
• C. Musa textilis
• D. Boehmeria nivea

Answer 1

The correct option is D Boehmeria nivea

Sclerenchyma cell is a thick walled, dead, lignified cell, which performs a mechanical function. The longest plant cell is the sclerenchyma cell of Boehmeria nivea (ramie; about 55 cm in length).

Sclerenchyma fibres of Linum usitatissimum and ramie (Boehmeria nivea) have cellulosic cell wall and thus are extremely soft and elastic and well suited for the processing into textiles.

Musa textilis has hard fibres due to presence of high proportion of lignin in cell wall.

Figs have sclereids in their fruits, which impart hardness and strength.

Thus the correct answer is option D.