Question

What is xylem in vascular plants? Give its components and function.

Answer 1

1. Xylem is responsible for the conduction of water and inorganic solutes in plants.
2. It is composed of

1. Tracheids
2. Vessels
3. Xylem parenchyma
4. Xylem fibers

3. Xylem tracheids and xylem vessels are mainly involved in conduction of minerals and water. They are together called tracheary elements.

4. Xylem parenchyma is involved in storage of food reserves and organic solutes.

5. Xylem fibers provide mechanical support to the plant body.