What is the Difference Between Fibres and Sclereids?

Fibres and sclereids are both sclerenchyma cells that provide mechanical support to plants. They have a thick, lignified secondary cell wall, but their shapes differ, which is the fundamental distinction between the two. Here are the main differences between fibres and sclereids:

• Shape: Fibres are long, narrow, and thick cells, while sclereids are broad, irregularly shaped cells.
• End Walls: Fibres have tapering end walls, while sclereids have blunt end walls.
• Branching: Fibres are generally unbranched, while sclereids can be both branched and unbranched.
• Origin: Fibres are derived from meristematic cells, while sclereids are formed from the secondary wall thickening of parenchyma cells.
• Arrangement: Fibres usually occur in bundles, while sclereids occur as single cells or in loose groups.
• Location: Fibres are found in the cortex, pericycle, xylem, and phloem of plants, while sclereids are found in the pith, pulp, and walls of fruits.

Sclerenchyma cells are divided into two groups based on their shape: fibres and sclereids. Surface fibres, xylary or wood fibres, and extraxylary or bast fibres are the three types of sclerenchyma fibres. Sclereids provide stiffness and rigidity to seed coats and are found in the cortex, pith, pulp, and walls of fruits.

Comparative Table: Fibres vs Sclereids

Fibres and sclereids are both sclerenchyma cells, which are found in plants and provide mechanical support. Here is a table highlighting the differences between fibres and sclereids:

Fibres are elongated cells with tapering end walls, while sclereids are broad, irregularly shaped cells with blunt end walls. Fibres are found in bundles and are unbranched, whereas sclereids can be found as single cells or in loose groups and can be branched or unbranched. Fibres originate from meristematic cells, while sclereids are formed from the secondary wall thickening of parenchyma cells.