Question

Lumen is highly reduced in

• A. collenchyma
• B. parenchyma
• C. sclerenchyma
• D. meristems

Answer 1

The correct option is C sclerenchyma


Sclerenchyma is a simple permanent dead mechanical tissue. The cell wall is made up of cellulose and lignin. The deposition of lignin thickens the cells of sclerenchyma and, as a result, the lumen (the space within the cell) is highly reduced.

Collenchyma is an example of a simple permanent living mechanical tissue. The cell wall is made of cellulose, hemicellulose and pectin. The presence of pectin enables the tissue to provide mechanical support to the plant.

Parenchyma is a simple living tissue and the cell wall is made up of cellulose. This is a tissue that is found in every part of the plant body. It helps in storage of starch, exchange of gases, in secretion and in buoyancy.

Meristematic tissues are made up of cells that are continuously undergoing mitotic cell divisions to give rise to new cells and help in the growth of the plant.

As lignin is not deposited in other tissues, hence, the lumen or space within the cell is more in them.