Question

Write about the elements of Xylem.

Answer 1

Xylem is a conducting tissue which conducts water, mineral nutrients upward from root to leaves. Xylem is also meant for mechanical support to the plant body. Xylem is composed of different kinds of elements. They are

1. xylem tracheids
2. xylem fibres
3. xylem vessels and
4. xylem parenchyma.

1. Xylem tracheids: They are elongated or tube-like dead cells with hard, thick and lignified walls. Their ends are tapering, blunt or chisel-like. These cells are devoid of protoplast. They have large lumen without any content. Their function is conduction of water and providing mechanical support to the plant.

2. Xylem fibers: These cells are elongated, lignified and pointed at both the ends. Xylem fibres help in conduction of water and nutrients from root to the leaf and also provide mechanical support to the plant.

3. Xylem vessels: They are long cylindrical, tube like structures with lignified walls and wide central lumen. These cells are dead as these do not have protoplast. They are arranged in longitudinal series in which the partitioned walls (transverse walls) are perforated, and so the entire structure looks-like a water pipe. Their main function is transport of water and minerals from root to leaf, and also to provide mechanical strength.

4. Xylem parenchyma: Its cells are living and thin walled. The main function of xylem parenchyma is to store starch and fatty substances.