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A-Level Biology OCR A

Vessel Water Xylem Flow Structure Long Hollow Element

Front Describe the structure of xylem and explain how it is adapted for its function.
Back Structure of xylem:
  • Composed of xylem vessel elements and parenchyma cells
  • Long hollow tubes 
Xylem vessel element adaptations:
  • No cytoplasm (dead cells) - hollow tube for water and ion flow
  • No end walls - less resistance to mass flow
  • Long - greater distance per element - more efficient and simpler transport
  • Pits in cell walls - water and minerals can flow from one vessel into another - good if vessel blocked to divert and allow movement
  • Narrow - aid capillary action of water
  • Lignified - extra mechanical strength(prevent collapse), adhesive with water so aid capillary action, precent vessles from collapsing under transpiration pull

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