Question

Which tissue provides mechanical strength to the plant?

• A. Sclerenchyma
  
• B. Xylem
• C. Collenchyma
• D. Phloem

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (C)

Sclerenchyma
Collenchyma

• The tissue which provides support and mechanical strength to a plant or a growing organ in a plant is known as a mechanical tissue.
  
• Both the ground tissues- collenchyma (living) and sclerenchyma (dead) provide maximum mechanical strength to a plant.
  
• Collenchyma mainly provides mechanical strength to the growing plant parts.
  
• The cell wall of collenchyma is made up of- pectin, hemicellulose, protein and cellulose.
  
• These thickening materials get deposited at the corners or at the tangential walls of collenchyma cells.
• It is a living cell which retains protoplasm even at maturity.
  
• Due to the presence of hydrated pectin in the walls of collenchyma cells, they also provide elasticity to the cell.
• Sclerenchyma is the tissue which makes the plant hard and stiff. Sclerenchyma is the supporting tissue in plants.
  
• So, the correct answer is 'Sclerenchyma and Collenchyma'.