Question

Sclereids belong to
(A)Collenchyma
(B)Xylem
(C)Sclerenchyma
(D) Sclerenchyma fibers

Answer 1

Hint: There are some specialized cells present in plants. They have reduced forms of types of cells that form a small bundle of sturdy layers of tissue in most of the plants. They persist through thick lignified cellular walls.

Complete answer:
Sclereids are a reduced form of sclerenchyma cells. Scleroid are formed through sclerosis of parenchyma cells. The sclerification increases the disease resistance property of the plant as it increases the thickening of the cell wall.

Additional Information:
Alexander Tschirch introduced the term ‘Sclereid’ in 1885. Sclereid is present in different parts of the plants like stem, leaf, fruit, etc.
-Leaf sclereids-Sclereids are extremely variable in shape and size in leaf. It may be branched, columnar, or diffused. It provides mechanical support to the leaf.
-Stem sclereids- numerous sclereids are present in the stem and mostly in the pith of the stem. They are an example of a stone cell.
-Fruit sclereids- In some fruits, sclereids are present inside the fruit and in some, it is present in the outer walls of the fruit. For example, apple sclereids from the endocarp.
-Seed sclereids-Seed coats are usually hard and it is due to the thickening of the cell wall through sclerification. Sclereids are present in the seed coat of a coconut.
So, the correct answer is ' Sclerenchyma’.

Note: The gritty texture of the pear is due to the specialized cells which are known as Sclereids. It also provides structural support and strength to the tissue. The cores of apples are formed due to the presence of numerous Sclereids.