Sclerenchyma cells are characterized by which feature?

Sclerenchyma cells are indeed characterized by having thick, tough secondary walls, which are typically lignified. This structural component provides rigidity and strength, allowing sclerenchyma cells to support plant tissues and structures. These cells play a crucial role in protecting the plant and providing mechanical support, particularly in areas where strength is necessary, such as the stems and vascular tissues.

In contrast, living at maturity is a characteristic of some other cell types, such as parenchyma, which remain metabolically active when mature. Thin, pliable walls are typical of cells like collenchyma, which are designed for flexibility and support in growing stem tips and young leaves. The presence of chloroplasts is associated with cells involved in photosynthesis, primarily parenchyma cells found in green tissues, but not with sclerenchyma cells, which do not perform photosynthesis and are not involved in light capture. Therefore, the defining feature of sclerenchyma cells lies in their thick, tough secondary walls, which set them apart from other cell types in plants.