Plants require supportive tissue to maintain their upright structure since they are stationary. Dead cells provide structural support and rigidity to help plants withstand environmental pressures.
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Plants require supportive tissue to maintain their upright structure since they are stationary. Dead cells provide structural support and rigidity to help plants withstand environmental pressures.
Plants have a significant amount of supportive tissue with dead cells, primarily in the form of xylem and sclerenchyma cells, to provide structural strength and facilitate water transport. The dead cells in these tissues, such as tracheids and vessel elements in xylem, lack protoplasts but form durable, lignified cell walls. This lignification enhances mechanical support and helps prevent collapsing under the pressure of water transport. Additionally, the dead cells contribute to the longevity and rigidity of plant structures, aiding in the overall stability and stature of the plant. The presence of dead supportive tissue is essential for maintaining plant integrity and function.