Xylem

Xylem is one of the two types of transport tissue in vascular plants, phloem being the other. The basic function of xylem is to transport water from roots to stems and leaves, but it also transports nutrients. The word xylem is derived from the Greek word ξύλον (xylon), meaning "wood"; the best-known xylem tissue is wood, though it is found throughout a plant.

Structure

Xylem tissue consists of a variety of specialized, water-conducting cells known as tracheary elements. Together with phloem (tissue that conducts sugars from leaves to the rest of the plant), xylem is found in all vascular plants, including the clubmosses, ferns, gymnosperms, and angiosperms.

Function

The most distinctive xylem cells are the long tracheary elements that transport water. Tracheids and vessel elements are distinguished by their shape. Vessel elements are shorter, and are connected together into long tubes that are called vessels.

Types

There are two types of cells that make up the xylem:

• Tracheids
• Vessel elements

See also

• Phloem
• Vascular plant
• Tracheid
• Vessel element

External links

• Britannica Online Encyclopedia

Xylem Resources
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