AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Sclereids are found in different shapes (spherical, oval, or cylindrical) and are present in various plant tissues such as the periderm, cortex, pith, xylem, phloem, leaves, and fruits. The hardness of the shell of nuts, the coat of many seeds, and the stone of drupes (cherries and plums) is due to this type of cell.

Detailed explanation-2: -Two years ago, they discovered the secret of a walnut shell’s toughness: It consists of 3D, puzzle-shaped cells with interlocking lobes. Last year, they found that the cells in pistachio shells have those lobes, too. And whereas most nutshells include several kinds of cells, walnuts and pistachios only have one kind.

Detailed explanation-3: -Sclereids are specialized cells formed in a variety of shapes. They have lignified secondary cell walls and are non-living at maturity. Their primary function is for mechanical support and protection.

Detailed explanation-4: -Sclereids are a reduced form of sclerenchyma cells with highly thickened, lignified cellular walls that form small bundles of durable layers of tissue in most plants. The presence of numerous sclereids form the cores of apples and produce the gritty texture of guavas.

Detailed explanation-5: -Hint: Fibers and sclereids, both are sclerenchyma cells found in the plants, and they are simple and non-living tissues and the main function of these cells is to provide the structural support to the plants. And both cells have thick deposits of lignin in their walls.