Question

Stems of few dicot plants are getting mechanical strength mainly because of ......... tissue, before secondary growth.

• A. Sclerenchyma
• B. Collenchyma
• C. Parenchyma
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is B Collenchyma

Collenchyma tissue is composed of elongated cells with irregularly thickened walls. They provide structural support, particularly in growing shoots and leaves. Collenchyma tissue makes up things such as the resilient strands in stalks of celery. Collenchyma cells are usually living and have only a thick primary cell wall made up of cellulose and pectin. Cell wall thickness is strongly affected by mechanical stress upon the plant. Collenchyma cells are most often found adjacent to outer growing tissues such as the vascular cambium and are known for increased structural support and integrity. So, the stems of few dicot plants are getting mechanical strength mainly because of collenchyma before secondary growth. Parenchyma is a versatile ground tissue that generally constitutes the filler tissue in soft parts of plants. It forms, among other things, the cortex and pith of stems, the cortex of roots, the mesophyll of leaves, the pulp of fruits, and the endosperm of seeds. Sclerenchyma is the supporting tissue in plants after secondary growth.
Thus, the correct answer is option B.