Final answer:
Sclerenchyma fibers are elongated, pointy, dead cells that function in water conduction and mechanical support in both hardwoods and gymnosperms. They have thick secondary cell walls with lignin deposits, giving them mechanical strength.
Step-by-step explanation:
The elongated, pointy, dead cells that function in water conduction and mechanical support in both hardwoods and gymnosperms are called sclerenchyma fibers. These fibers have thick secondary cell walls that are lignified with deposits of lignin, providing mechanical strength to the plant. They are long and slender cells that give support to the plant and allow it to achieve impressive heights.
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