The lignin present in the cell walls of both the sclerenchyma and xylem cells caused these tissues to dye the same color when exposed to the toluidine blue O stain. Speculate on the function of the lignin.

Answer 1

Xylem cells are part of the vascular system. They are dead at maturity. The water and dissolved ions flow through them and put pressure on them to collapse, so they require strong structural proteins to stay open.

Sclerenchyma cells are a support element of the plant. They are very rigid and are found in the part of the plant that has stopped growing. Like the xylem cells, they are dead at maturity and leave behind their cell wall.

Both types of cells require very strong cell walls that can withstand large forces of tension. Therefore, infer that lignin is involved in structure and helps the cell wall maintain shape.

Answer 2

the lignin keeps it from collapsing as it conducts water