Question

: What is the difference between fibers and sclereids in plant histology? Give one example of each.

Answer 1

Hint: Fibers and sclereids, both are sclerenchyma cells found in the plants, and they are simple and non-living tissues and the main function of these cells is to provide the structural support to the plants. And both cells have thick deposits of lignin in their walls.

Complete answer:
Differences between fibers and sclereids.

These are elongated cells	These cells are broad and irregular in shape.
This fiber cells have tapering end walls	The sclereids are blunt end cells.
These cells are unbranched.	They present as both branched and unbranched.
These cells originated from the meristematic cells.	They originale from the secondary wall thickening of parenchyma.
Fibers usually occur in the form of bundles.	They occur as single cells or in loose groups.
These fibers are found in the cortex, and xylem and phloem of plants.	They found in the pith, and the pulp of fruit and fruit walls
Fibers provide the mechanical support.	Sclereids also provides support and stiffness
Types of fibers include, Surface fibers, wood fibers, bast fibers	Types of sclereids are Macro, osteo, Astro, Brachy sclereids.

Note: Sclerenchyma cells such as fibers and sclereids, mature with the surrounding tissues of the plant, and provide more permanent support, than collenchyma cells, they also help in maintaining and also establishing morphology of plants.