Plant Anatomy: Tracheid vs Vessel

Study Notes

Xylem Tissue

A tracheid is a non-living, elongated cell with tapering ends, with highly thickened walls made of lignin, except at circular spots known as pits.
Vessels are cylindrical, tube-like structures placed end-to-end, with lignified walls, and partially or completely dissolved end walls to form a continuous channel.
Both tracheids and vessels are non-living cells that provide mechanical support to plants and are the main conducting elements in the xylem.
Xylem parenchyma consists of thick-walled, living cells that perform the function of storage.
Xylem fibres are non-living, thick-walled cells that provide mechanical support to plants.

Occurrence of Xylem and Phloem

Xylem and phloem usually occur together in the roots, stems, and leaves of higher plants, forming vascular bundles.

Functions of Xylem

The main function of xylem is to conduct water and minerals from the roots to different parts of the plant body.
Tracheids and xylem fibres provide mechanical support to plants.
Xylem parenchyma helps in the storage of starch and other materials.

Phloem Tissue

Phloem is a complex tissue consisting of both parenchymatous and sclerenchymatous cells.
Phloem tissue consists of both living and non-living cells.
Components of phloem tissue include sieve-tube cells, companion cells, and phloem parenchyma cells.
Sieve plates are present in phloem tissue.

Description

Test your knowledge on plant anatomy by distinguishing between tracheids and vessels based on their characteristics and functions. Learn about the structure of these xylem elements and their roles in plant physiology.