Question

The sclerenchyma of the hypodermis in the Pinus needle helps in ________________.

• A. Checking transpiration
• B. Mechanical support
• C. Photosynthesis
• D. Increasing the absorptive surface of the cell

Answer 1

The correct option is B Mechanical support

• Sclerenchyma cells have thick walls, lignification, and are dead when mature. These provide mechanical support to the pine needle.

• Beneath the epidermis of pine needles, there are one or more layers of strengthening fibrous sclerenchyma cells forming a hypodermis (outermost layer of cells in the plant cortex, lying immediately below the epidermis).

• Hence, the sclerenchyma cells of the hypodermis in the pine needles provide mechanical support

So, the correct option is B.