Question

The main function of sclerenchyma is ___________________
a) Conduction of food.
b) Synthesis of food.
c) Exchange of gases.
d) Mechanical support.

Answer 1

Hint: The permanent tissues in plants are divided into two types, namely Simple tissues and Complex tissues. Simple tissues are tissues with similar structure and function, whereas complex tissues are tissues having a different type of cells.

Complete answer:
Sclerenchyma is a type of simple tissue that consists of long, narrow cells that have thick and lignified cell walls with pits.
These are usually dead and without protoplasm. They can be classified based on variation in form, structure, origin and development into sclereids or fibres.
Fibres are thick-walled, elongated and pointed cells that occur in groups in various parts of the plant.
Sclereids are spherical, oval or cylindrical, highly thickened dead cells with a narrow lumen.
Sclerenchyma provides mechanical support to the organs.

Additional information:
The other two types of simple tissues are Parenchyma and Collenchyma.
Parenchyma constitutes the major component within organs. Parenchyma cells are isodiametric. They have thin walls, which are made up of cellulose. These cells are closely packed, so they have small intercellular spaces. Parenchyma performs functions like photosynthesis, storage and secretion.
Collenchyma occurs in dicot plants. It is situated below the epidermis. The corners of the collenchyma cells are thickened due to the deposition of cellulose, hemicellulose and pectin. The cells may be oval, spherical or polygonal with chloroplast.

So, the correct answer is d) Mechanical support.

Note:
Sclerenchyma provides mechanical support to plants. Another plant tissue, Collenchyma, also provides mechanical support to the growing parts of the plants like the young stem or petiole of a leaf.