SCLEREID Meaning and
Definition
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A sclereid is a specialized plant cell that is primarily involved in providing mechanical support to various plant structures. Also known as stone cells due to their hard and dense nature, sclereids are present in various parts of plants, including the outer layers of stems, roots, leaves, and fruits.
The main characteristic of sclereids is their thickened cell walls, which are reinforced by lignin deposition. This lignified secondary cell wall makes sclereids extremely rigid and resistant to compression and bending forces. They are often irregularly shaped and vary in size and form depending on their location and function within different plant tissues.
Sclereids play a crucial role in enhancing the overall structural strength and integrity of the plant. They provide support and protection to delicate tissues, such as vascular bundles and delicate meristematic regions, against mechanical damage or deformation. In fruits, sclereids are responsible for the hard texture and toughness of certain edible and non-edible plant parts, acting as a barrier against herbivores or pathogen entry.
Furthermore, sclereids can also contribute to water movement and storage within the plant, as they form interconnected spaces or canals. These canals facilitate the transportation of water and nutrients through the plant's tissue, ensuring its proper functioning and survival.
In conclusion, sclereids are specialized plant cells that lend mechanical support, enhance structural stability, and provide protective functions in various plant parts, ultimately contributing to the overall growth and functionality of the plant.
Common Misspellings for SCLEREID
- sclereoid
- Sclaroid
- aclereid
- zclereid
- xclereid
- dclereid
- eclereid
- wclereid
- sxlereid
- svlereid
- sflereid
- sdlereid
- sckereid
- scpereid
- scoereid
- sclwreid
- sclsreid
- scldreid
- sclrreid
- scl4reid
Etymology of SCLEREID
The word "sclereid" derives from the combination of two Greek roots: "sklēros", meaning hard, and "eidos", meaning form or shape. The term was coined in the field of botany to describe a type of plant cell that has heavily thickened walls, giving it a hard or stony appearance. Sclereids are often found in the tissue of plants, providing support and protection.
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