Question

Are xylem vessel cells dead or alive?

Answer 1

Xylem vessel cell:

1. Xylem is a plant tissue that is complex and is responsible for water transport and nutrients to the plant.
2. Xylem-type vessel cells can be either alive or dead.
3. According to researchers and botanists, the elements of xylem tissue are dead except for the living parenchyma.
4. The location of the xylem vessels is present in the vascular bundle carved into the plant and the xylem movement is unidirectional.
5. The xylem contains a variety of elements - tracheids, vessels, xylem fibers, and xylem parenchyma.
6. Xylem vessels always push water upwards and nutrients towards roots.
7. Tracheids are dead tubular cells with tapering ends, vessels with thin elongated structures that have a tubular appearance, and no cytoplasm.
8. Xylem fibers have lignin-rich walls and a lumen in the center, the fibers are dead and provide anchorage to the plant.
9. Xylem parenchyma is involved in the storage of starch and fats and they also help in water transport.

Figure showing xylem vessel cell: