Question

The sclerenchyma of the hypo dermis in the Pinus needle helps in ___________ .
A. Checking Transpiration
B. Mechanical support
C. Photosynthesis
D. Increasing the absorptive surface of the cell

Answer 1

Hint: Sclerenchyma are wide walled, lignified and deceased at maturity. These provide automatic support to the pinus needle.

Complete step by step answer:
Let’s discuss the options and find out the correct answer.
- Sclerenchyma is not related to transpiration. Transpiration is a process by which a plant or a leaf gives out water vapour through the stomata. It can’t be seen through naked eye but the pores (or stomata) through which they lose water can be seen with the help of a microscope. These pores or holes can be found at the bottom of a leaf.
- Sclerenchyma provides mechanical support in the pinus needle as it has thick walls. Sclerenchyma can either be fibres or sclereid. A thick cuticle covers the outer part of the epidermis which helps to examine the transpiration. The parenchymatous mesophyll contains thin walled cells consisting of a number of chloroplasts and thus photosynthetic in function.
- Photosynthesis is the process in which green plants and other organisms helps in the conversion of light energy into chemical energy. During this process, light energy is first captured and is then utilised to convert water, carbon dioxide and minerals into oxygen and some energy rich compounds.
- Villi helps in increasing the internal surface area of the intestinal walls which increases the surface area for absorption.
Hence, option B: Mechanical support is the correct answer.

Note: Sclerenchyma is the tissue which assists the plants to be hard and firm. It is also called the supporting tissue in plants.