Question

What are the components of the xylem?

Answer 1

Xylem:

1. Xylem is a complex tissue.
2. Water and minerals are carried from the roots to the stem and leaves via the xylem.
3. It also gives the plant parts mechanical strength.

Tracheids, vessels, xylem fibers, and xylem parenchyma are the four types of elements that make up the xylem.

Tracheids:

1. Tracheids are long, tube-like cells with lignified walls and a tapering end.
2. These are non-protoplasmic and dead.

Vessels:

1. A vessel is a long cylindrical tube-like structure composed of multiple vessel parts with lignified walls and a big central cavity.
2. The vascular cells are also protoplasm-free.

Xylem fibers:

1. The walls of xylem fibers are thicker, and the central lumens are removed.
2. These can be septate or aseptate.

Xylem parenchyma:

1. Xylem parenchyma cells are live, thin-walled cells with cellulose-based cell walls.
2. They store food items such as starch or fat and other compounds such as tannins.