Which of the following is not true about ‘sclereids’? (a) These are groups of living cells. (b) These are found in nut shells, guava pulp, pear. (c) These are also called stone cells. (d) These are form of sclerenchyma with fibres.
Option A Sclereids are a type of sclerenchyma cells. They are short or irregular, their walls are very thick, irergular and the lumen is very narrow. These are dead cells and do not perform any metabolic functions. They show different types of lignin depositions and also have pits. They are present in hard parts like endocarp of coconut, hard seed coats fruit pulps. They are also called stone cells and are different types as brachysclereids, osteoclereids, macrosclereids, asterosclercids and fileform cells.