Which plant tissue lacks living protoplasm at maturity and provides mechanical strength primarily through thick lignified cell walls?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Sclerenchyma tissue is characterized by cells that lose their living protoplasm upon reaching maturity and develop thick, secondary cell walls impregnated with lignin to provide maximum mechanical support. Conversely, living tissues like parenchyma and collenchyma retain active protoplasts and serve functions ranging from photosynthesis and storage to flexible mechanical support in young organs.