Szklerénkima

Szklerénkima is a plant tissue that provides structural support and strength. It is one of the two principal types of supporting tissue in plants, the other being collenchyma. Szklerénkima cells are characterized by their thick, lignified secondary cell walls, which make them very rigid and strong. Lignification is a process where lignin, a complex polymer, is deposited into the cell walls, rendering them stiff and impermeable to water.

There are two main types of szklerénkima cells: fibres and sclereids. Fibres are typically elongated cells, often found in bundles, that contribute significantly to the tensile strength of plant organs like stems and roots. They can also be found in vascular tissues, reinforcing xylem and phloem. Sclereids, on the other hand, are more varied in shape and size, often irregular or star-shaped. They are commonly found in seed coats, nutshells, and the gritty tissues of fruits like pears, providing hardness and protection.

The primary function of szklerénkima is to provide mechanical support, allowing plants to grow tall and withstand environmental stresses such as wind and gravity. Due to their thick, lignified walls, szklerénkima cells are typically dead at maturity, with only their cell walls remaining. This structural integrity is crucial for the survival and development of plants.