xylem

• xylem cells are found in the plant stem and they from long tubes
• the tubes carry water/dissolved minerals from the roots to the shoots
• they have very thick walls containing lignin providing support to withstand water pressure
• the lignin kills the cells
• the end walls between cells are broken down forming a long tube so the water/dissolved minerals flow easily
• the cells have no nucleus, cytoplasm, vacuole or chloroplast to make it easier for transporting