Question

differentiate between sclerenchyma and parenchyma

Answer 1

Parenchyma is a type of permanent tissue. It is formed by few layers of cells with basic packing tissue. It consists of unspecialised cells within the thin cells. These are live cells. They are loosely packed. There are large spaces between the cells. This tissue provides support to the plant. This tissue stores food also. 

Sclerenchyma is also a permanent tissue which makes the plant hard and stiff. This is made up of sclerenchymatous tissue. The cells of this tissue are dead. They are long and narrow and their walls are thickened due to lignin which is a chemical substance acting like cement and hardens the tissue. Due to the thickness there is no internal space inside the cell. These are present in the stem, around the vascular bundle, in the veins of leaves and hard covering of seeds and nuts. It provides strength to the parts of the plant.

Answer 2

Sclerenchyma is a dead, simple permanent tissue made up of thick walled cells.
The function of sclerenchyma is to provide mechanical strength and rigidity to plant.


Parenchyma is a living tissue that consist of group of isodiametric cells.
The main function of parenchyma is storage of food.