The cells of sclerenchyma vary in size and shape. They are
placed in two groups: the fibres and sclereids. The cells of the fibres are
elongate whereas the cells of sclereids are short isodiametric or irregular in
shape.
Fibres vs Sclereids
Fibres
- Fibres are elongated
- Have tapering end walls
- Generally unbranched.
- Originate from meristematic cells.
Sclereids (Sclerotic cells)
- Sclerids are
broad.
- End walls are
blunt
- May be branched
or unbranched.
- They are
formed secondarily by the thickening of parenchyma cells