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Sclerenchyma
(Structure, Types and Functions of Sclerenchymatous Cells in Plants)
What are Sclerenchymatous Cells?
Ø Sclerenchyma is a simple permanent tissue in plants.
Ø Sclerenchymatous cells are dead at their maturity.
Ø Cells do not have protoplast when they completely developed.
Ø They have thick secondary cell wall.
Ø The secondary cell wall is lignified and very hard.
Ø Most of the sclerenchymatous cells show intrusive growth.
Different Types of Sclerenchymatous Cells in Plants:
Ø Based on size, two types of sclerenchyma are described.
(I). Sclereids
(II). Fibres
(I). Sclereids:
Ø Sclereids are short sclerenchymatous cells.
Ø They are also called as stone cells.