Sclerenchyma

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Sclerenchyma is a type of plant tissue that provides mechanical support to the plant. The cells of sclerenchyma are characterized by having thick, lignified cell walls that make them tough and rigid. There are two main types of sclerenchyma cells: fibers and sclereids.

Fibers are long, narrow cells that occur in bundles and provide strength to the plant tissue. They are often found in stems, leaves, and petioles. Sclereids, on the other hand, are shorter and more irregularly shaped, and are found in a variety of plant parts, including seeds, fruit, and leaves. They provide mechanical support and protection to these structures.

Sclerenchyma cells are typically dead at maturity and do not contain living protoplasts. Instead, they are filled with lignin, a complex polymer that strengthens the cell walls and makes them resistant to decay. The presence of sclerenchyma in plants can make them difficult to digest, which is why some fruits and seeds require special processing before they can be eaten.