At maturity, _____ is a non-conductive cell composed of heavily thick-walled dead cells with lignin and high cellulose content (60%–80%), and it serves to provide structural support in plants.

Key Points

• About Sclerenchyma cells
  • Sclerenchyma cells are plant cells that provide structural support to the plant. At maturity, these cells become non-conductive and composed of heavily thick-walled dead cells with lignin and high cellulose content (60-80%).
  • The thick walls and lignin content make sclerenchyma cells rigid and durable, providing strength and support to the plant.
  • These cells are often found in tissues that need additional structural support, such as in the stems, roots, and vascular tissues.
• ​Reproductive cell: Reproductive cells are involved in the plant's reproduction process, including the formation of seeds and spores.
• Parenchyma cell: Parenchyma cells are versatile plant cells with thin walls. They are involved in various functions, including photosynthesis, storage, and secretion.
• Meristematic cell: Meristematic cells are undifferentiated, actively dividing cells responsible for plant growth.
• They are found in regions of the plant where growth occurs, such as the tips of roots and shoots. These cells are not non-conductive.

Additional Information

There are mainly two types of plant tissues: Meristematic Tissues and Permanent Tissues. 

Meristematic Tissues : 

• ​Meristematic tissues are regions of actively dividing cells responsible for the growth of the plant. 
• They are Found at the tips of roots and shoots (apical meristem), in the lateral buds (lateral meristem), and in between the xylem and phloem in stems (intercalary meristem).
• They contribute to the elongation of roots and shoots, formation of new leaves, and lateral growth of stems.

Permanent Tissues : 

• ​Permanent tissues are derived from meristematic tissues and have lost the ability to divide.
• Complex Permanent Tissues :
  • Phloem: Composed of sieve tubes, companion cells, fibers, and parenchyma cells. Involved in the transport of food.
  • Xylem: Composed of tracheids and vessels for water transport, and fibers for support. Also includes parenchyma cells.
• Simple Permanent Tissues:
  • Sclerenchyma: Cells with heavily thickened, lignified cell walls, providing strength and rigidity to the plant. Found in mature stems, roots, and vascular tissues.
  • Collenchyma: Cells with unevenly thickened cell walls, providing mechanical support to young plant parts like stems.
  • Parenchyma: Cells with thin cell walls, involved in photosynthesis, storage, and secretion. Found in leaves, stems, and roots.