Answer to Question #60824 in Biology for Sanjukta Ghosh

Question

How does schlerenchyma provide mechanical support to plants?

Answer 1

Schlerenchyma is the supporting tissue of plants. It consists of two types of cells: fibres and sclereids. Their walls consis of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Due to the fact, that schlerenchyma is composed of mainly dead cells with very thick cell walls, it has very high mechanical characteristics. Because of this it can serve as a reliable supportive tissue for a plant.