[Campbell Biology P.813] A fruit, like a pear, is known for its gritty texture. Which type o... | Practice Question

A fruit, like a pear, is known for its gritty texture. Which type of plant cell is primarily responsible for this characteristic, and what are its key features?

  • A: Parenchyma cells; they store starch and are found in fleshy fruit tissue.
  • B: Collenchyma cells; they provide flexible support and are living at maturity.
  • C: Sclereids; they are boxier, irregular in shape, and have very thick, lignified secondary walls.
  • D: Fibers; they are long, slender, tapered, and used for commercial products like rope.

Explanation

Sclereids are a type of sclerenchyma cell. They are boxier and irregular in shape with very thick, lignified secondary walls. These rigid cells are responsible for the gritty texture found in pear fruits and the hardness of nutshells and seed coats.