Structure of xylem vessel

• Structure of xylem vessel:

  • Elongated tubes formed from dead cells joined together in bundles
  • No end walls between cells
  • Thick walls made of lignin
  • Gaps called pits in the cell wall
• Xylem vessels adaptations: Hollow lumen (no end walls)

  • Forms a continuous column allowing water and mineral ions to pass through the middle easily
• Xylem vessels adaptations: Lignin

  • Strengthens the vessel and prevents the tube from collapsing
• Xylem vessels adaptations: Gaps in lignin

  • Allows water to leave the vessels and pass between them
• Xylem vessels adaptations: Lignin is waterproof

  • Prevents water from adhering too much to the surface