Question

Compare the statements a and b.
Statement a. Sclerenchyma cells do not have plasmodesmata
Statement b. Cell walls of some permanent tissues are heavily lignified.
A)Statement a is correct and b is wrong.
B)Both statements a and b are wrong
C)Both statements a and b are correct
D)Statement a is wrong and b is correct

Answer 1

Hint: Sclerenchyma is a simple permanent tissue found in the plants. It is a ground tissue in plants which is composed of dead cells. The main function of this tissue is to provide structural support to the plant.

Complete answer:
To solve this question, we must know about the permanent tissues.

Statement A-
Plasmodesmata is an organelle which is mainly found in plant and algal cells. It consists of channels and pores. It is an important channel of communication between the two cells. The sclerenchyma cell is the thick and dead cells which help in providing the structural support to the plant. The molecules like proteins, hormones, amino acids are channelled through plasmodesmata. The sclerenchyma exist as fibres are sclereids. Their cell wall is composed of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Hence statement A is correct. There is no need for plasmodesmata in dead cells as cell to cell communication does not take place in dead cells.

Statement B-
There are three types of permanent tissues Parenchyma, collenchyma and sclerenchyma. These tissues are responsible for cell division, growth and provide support. The sclerenchyma is composed of thick lignified cell walls which help in providing mechanical and structural support to the plants.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C)

Note: The sclerenchyma fibres are economically very beneficial. The fibres of jute, hemp, flax are the sclerenchyma fibres which are used for making textiles, rugs, ropes etc. These fibres are soft and elastic made up of cellulose.