The seed coats of legumes are hard due to

Options

A. Meristem
B. Fibers
C. Collenchyma
D. Sclereids

Answer

To answer the question "The seed coats of legumes are hard due to," we will analyze the options provided and identify the correct one step by step.

### Step 1: Understand the Options
The options given are:
- Meristem
- Fibres
- Collenchyma
- Scleride

### Step 2: Analyze Each Option
1. **Meristem**:
- Meristematic tissues are composed of actively dividing cells. These cells are not hardened; instead, they are responsible for growth. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

2. **Fibres**:
- Fibres are elongated cells that provide support and strength to plants. While they can be tough, they are not the primary reason for the hardness of seed coats in legumes. Thus, this option is also incorrect.

3. **Collenchyma**:
- Collenchyma cells are living cells that provide support, especially in young stems and leaves. They are flexible and not hard, so this option does not explain the hardness of seed coats. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

4. **Scleride**:
- Sclereids are a type of sclerenchyma cell that are typically dead at maturity and contribute to the hardness and toughness of plant tissues. They are known for making seed coats hard and impermeable to water. This option is correct.

### Step 3: Conclusion
Based on the analysis, the correct answer to the question "The seed coats of legumes are hard due to" is **scleride**.

### Final Answer
The seed coats of legumes are hard due to **scleride**.

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