Sclerenchyma are

Options

A. dead and with protoplasts
B. dead and without protoplasts
C. living and without protoplasts
D. living , with protoplasts

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Sclerenchyma**: Sclerenchyma is a type of permanent tissue in plants. It is classified as simple permanent tissue, which means it is composed of only one type of cell.

2. **Characteristics of Sclerenchyma Cells**: The cells of sclerenchyma are typically long, narrow, and have thick lignified cell walls. This lignification provides structural support to the plant.

3. **Cell Status**: Sclerenchyma cells are generally dead at maturity. This means that they do not have living protoplasts (the living part of the cell, which includes the cytoplasm and organelles).

4. **Options Analysis**:
- **Option 1**: Dead with protoplast - Incorrect, as sclerenchyma cells are dead and do not contain protoplasts.
- **Option 2**: Dead and without protoplast - Correct, as sclerenchyma cells are dead and lack protoplasts.
- **Option 3**: Living and without protoplast - Incorrect, as sclerenchyma cells are not living.
- **Option 4**: Living with protoplast - Incorrect, as sclerenchyma cells are dead.

5. **Conclusion**: The correct answer is that sclerenchyma are **dead and without protoplast**.