Sclerenchyma cells are dead and have long, narrow shapes with thickened walls due to lignin deposition, often leaving no internal space within the cell. In contrast, collenchyma cells are living, elongated, and irregularly thickened at the corners.
How do the characteristics of sclerenchyma cells differ from those of collenchyma cells?
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The characteristics of sclerenchyma cells differ from collenchyma cells in terms of rigidity and cell wall composition. Sclerenchyma cells have thick secondary cell walls rich in lignin, making them rigid and resistant to mechanical stress. These cells often lack protoplasts at maturity, enhancing their toughness. In contrast, collenchyma cells have unevenly thickened primary cell walls, providing flexible support to growing plant parts without lignification. Collenchyma cells remain living and elongate with the plant, adapting to mechanical stress. While both tissues contribute to plant support, sclerenchyma excels in providing long-lasting, rigid structural integrity, whereas collenchyma offers flexible support during growth.