Xylem

Xylem:

• Xylem is a vascular and mechanical tissue.
• Xylem is composed of cells of four different types:
• 1. Tracheids   2. Vessels or tracheae   3.  Xylem parenchyma    4. Xylem sclerenchyma (or fibers).
• Except xylem parenchyma, all other elements are dead and bounded by thick lignified wall.
• Tracheids and vessels are tubular structures.

Functions:

• The main function of xylem is to carry water and mineral salts upward from the root to different parts of shoots, hence also called water conducting tissue.
• Since walls of tracheids, vessels and sclerenchyma of xylem are lignified, they give mechanical strength to the plant body.
• The parenchyma stores food and helps in the sideway conduction of water.