Question: what are the types of sclerenchyma?
Answer: There are two types of sclerenchyma (Figure 4.4): (1) fibers, which are long, very narrow cells with sharply tapering end walls; and (2) sclereids, which are isodiametric to irregular or branched in shape. Fibers function in mechanical support of various organs and tissues, sometimes making up the bulk of the tissue.