Why is there sclerenchyma in the vascular bundle?
Sclerenchyma cells function in structural support of the stem and protection of the vascular bundles. Sclerenchyma cells are small and posses tough, thick cell walls. These walls are often impregnated with lignin, a highly branched polymer that makes cell walls more rigid. Mature sclerenchyma cells can not elongate and are found in regions of the plant that have stopped growing in length. At maturity sclerenchyma cells may actually be dead.
