ICSE Class 8 Answered

Type

Characteristics

Location

Function

Components of Xylem

Tracheids

• Made of elongated cells with flat, tapering ends.
• Cell walls contain pits/cavities which facilitate the flow of water from one cell to another.
• Structural component of the xylem.

• Provide a network of hollow connected cells for the transport of water.
• Provide mechanical support by developing various types of thickenings in their walls.

Xylem vessels

• Consist of dead cells.
• They are tubular structures and are much wider than tracheids.
• Cell walls are hard, thick and lignified.
• They are arranged end to end and on the top of one another such as a pipeline.
• Cell walls at both the ends degenerate when cells die. As a result, stacked vessels become continuous tubes.
• Structural component of the xylem.

• Allow free flow of water and minerals in a vertical direction from the roots to the leaves.

Xylem parenchyma

• Consists of living parenchyma cells associated with xylem.
• Structural component of the xylem.
• Stores food in the plant body.
• Helps in conduction of water and minerals.

Xylem fibres

• Separated by thin cross walls
• Structural component of the xylem.
• Mainly support the plant