Question

Coconut husk fibres are used for mats which are tough and fibrous. Which tissue has structural features suitable for providing this strength? Explain why living parenchyma couldn’t serve the same purpose.

Answer 1

Sclerenchyma is the tissue that gives coconut husk fibres their strength. Dead cells with thick, lignified cell walls are called sclerenchyma. These characteristics provide the fibres strength, stiffness, and toughness, making them ideal for mat production. Because parenchyma cells are living and have thin cell walls, they cannot be used for this purpose. They cannot offer the necessary strength and toughness because they are soft and mostly meant for storage.