Plant cells sclerenchyma

Plants are predominantly composed of parenchyma and woody tissues. Parenchyma cells dominate the green tissues in leaves and are composed of a protein-rich protoplast surrounded by a cellulose wall. Woody plant cells dominate all support (sclerenchyma) and transport (xylem and phloem) stmctures in a plant. They are composed of several layers (middle lamella, primary wall, secondary wall, and tertiary wall) with varying proportions of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin (Fengel and Wegener, 1984). 

The collenchyma, present in herbs, is composed of elongated supporting cells and the sclerenchyma of woody plants is made up of supporting cells with hard lignified cell walls and a low water content. 

In contrast to oil from plant tissue, the recovery of animal fat is not restricted by rigid cell walls or sclerenchyma supporting tissue. Only heating is needed to release fat from adipose tissue (dry or wet rendering with hot water or steam). The fat expands when heated, tearing the adipose tissue cell membrane and flowing freely. Further fat separation is simple and does not pose a technical problem (Fig. 14.1). 

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