Transpiration Tissues - Xylem Cells
Biology: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 2.5.7
Xylem Cells
Water and minerals are transported in xylem vessels up the stem and into the leaves. Xylem cells are well adapted for this function:
Lignin
- Lignin in the cell wall strengthens and waterproofs the elongated cells.
No end walls
- Having no end walls means that successive cells form a long tube for ease of transport.
Dead
- Xylem cells are dead, meaning that the tubes are hollow and, therefore, their resistance to water flow is low.
Test yourself on Transpiration Tissues - Xylem Cells
Why do xylem cells form one continuous tube for transporting water?
What would happen to xylem vessels if their cell walls contained no lignin?
Select the true statement in each pair.
Select the true statement in each pair.
Why do xylem vessels need both lignin in the cell walls and the absence of end walls to transport water effectively?