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A-Level Biology OCR A

Vessel Water Xylem Flow Structure Long Hollow Element

Xylem is composed of xylem vessel elements and parenchyma cells, forming long hollow tubes adapted for water and mineral flow, with lignified walls for support and capillary action.

El xilema está compuesto por elementos de vasos de xilema y células de parénquima, formando tubos huecos largos adaptados para el flujo de agua y minerales, con paredes lignificadas para soporte y acción capilar.

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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