SCLERENCHYMA Meaning and
Definition
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Sclerenchyma is a type of plant tissue that provides structural support and strength to various parts of plants. It is composed of thick-walled cells with lignified secondary cell walls. These cells are dead at maturity and lack cytoplasm, as their primary function is to provide support rather than carry out metabolic activities.
The primary role of sclerenchyma is to provide rigidity to plant organs and protect them from mechanical stresses. This tissue is commonly found in the cortex and vascular bundles of stems, roots, and leaves. It is also present in fruits, seed coats, and shells of nuts. In addition to its support function, sclerenchyma cells can also aid in conducting water and nutrients between different plant organs.
There are two main types of sclerenchyma cells: fibers and sclereids. Fibers are elongated cells that occur in bundles and provide tensile strength. They are often found in the vascular tissues of plants, namely the xylem and phloem. Sclereids, on the other hand, are shorter and irregularly shaped cells that provide strength and protection. They can be found in various plant organs, such as the seed coat, fruit walls, and leaf veins.
Overall, sclerenchyma tissues play a vital role in maintaining the structural integrity of plants, allowing them to withstand mechanical forces and maintain their shape.
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The woody fibrous substance in plants, such as forms the outer envelope of a nut.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SCLERENCHYMA
- aclerenchyma
- zclerenchyma
- xclerenchyma
- dclerenchyma
- eclerenchyma
- wclerenchyma
- sxlerenchyma
- svlerenchyma
- sflerenchyma
- sdlerenchyma
- sckerenchyma
- scperenchyma
- scoerenchyma
- sclwrenchyma
- sclsrenchyma
- scldrenchyma
- sclrrenchyma
- scl4renchyma
- scl3renchyma
- scleeenchyma
Etymology of SCLERENCHYMA
The word "sclerenchyma" is derived from the Greek roots "sklēros" meaning "hard" and "enchyma" meaning "infusion". It was coined by the German botanist Matthias Jakob Schleiden in 1839 to describe a type of plant tissue consisting of thick-walled, lignified cells. The name sclerenchyma is used to reflect the hard and rigid nature of these cells.
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