Give reasons: Meristematic cells have a prominent nucleus and dense cytoplasm but they lack vacuole

Give reasons:

  • Meristematic cells have a prominent nucleus and dense cytoplasm but they lack vacuole.
  • Intercellular spaces are absent in sclerenchymatous tissues.
  • We get a crunchy and granular feeling when we chew pear fruit.
  • Branches of a tree move and bend freely in high wind velocity.
  • It is difficult to pull out the husk of a coconut tree.

Answer:

  1. Meristematic cells are continuously dividing cells so they have a prominent nucleus and dense cytoplasm. But since these cells do not store food material or waste materials, they lack vacuole.
  2. Sclerenchyma cells have lignified cell walls which makes them compact and leaves no intercellular spaces.
  3. Pear has sclerenchymatous stone cells which are granular in texture. Hence, we get the crunchy and granular feeling while chewing a pear.
  4. The branches of a tree have collenchyma cells which provide tensile strength to plant parts. So, it move and bend freely when wind blows.
  5. The husk of a coconut tree is made up of sclerenchyma cells which have lignified cell walls. Lignin makes the cells compact and leaves no intercellular spaces.