Question

What are the different types of sclerenchyma tissues?

Answer 1

Sclerenchyma :

1. Sclerenchyma is a simple, permanent tissue that usually contains dead cells.
2. The sclerenchymatous cells are long and narrow in shape.
3. The cell wall is present and is made up of lignin.
4. The function of sclerenchyma tissue is to provide mechanical strength, flexibility, and rigidity to the plants.

Based on the structure, sclerenchyma are of two types, namely,

Sclereids :

1. Sclereids are dead cells that are irregular in shape.
2. They are also known as grit stones or stone cells.
3. These are found in the parts of the plants like the cortex, pith, phloem, etc.
4. There are three types of Sclereids namely brachy-sclereids, macro-sclereids and osteo-sclereids.

Fibers:

1. Fibers are long, narrow, thick, and dead sclerenchymatous cells.
2. Fibers are found in the seed coat of the seeds.
3. The function of fibers is to protect the plant from strong winds and to provide mechanical strength.