complex tissue: xylem

Question

Which xylem element is dead at maturity and primarily responsible for water conduction in angiosperms?

RankGuru · Accepted Answer

1. **Complex Tissue**: Xylem is composed of tracheids, vessels, xylem fibers, and xylem parenchyma.
2. **Xylem Vessels**: These are long cylindrical tube-like structures with lignified walls and a large central cavity. Unlike xylem parenchyma, they are **dead at maturity** (lack protoplasm).
3. **Evolutionary Feature**: Vessels are a characteristic feature of **Angiosperms** (flowering plants). They function as channels for the efficient upward conduction of water and minerals.
4. **Others**: Companion cells and sieve tube elements are part of **phloem** (transporting food) and are living components.

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complex tissue: xylem

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