- A Collenchyma cells are dead at maturity; sclerenchyma cells remain living throughout their lifespan in typical laboratory settings
- B Collenchyma has unevenly thickened walls and is living; sclerenchyma has uniformly thickened lignified walls and is dead
- C Both tissue types are dead at maturity, differing mainly in their cell wall thickness and shape under usual circumstances
- D They are functionally and structurally identical tissues, given two different historical names according to most researchers
Correct answer: B. Collenchyma has unevenly thickened walls and is living; sclerenchyma has uniformly thickened lignified walls and is dead
Explanation: Collenchyma: living cells, unevenly thickened (cellulose) walls, flexible support in young plants. Sclerenchyma: dead cells, uniformly thick, lignified walls, rigid support. Both are supporting tissues but differ in flexibility and life status.
Concept context
Internal tissue organisation: meristems, permanent tissues (xylem, phloem, parenchyma), and secondary growth. Frequently tested in NEET.