Plant cell specialisation

• Root hair


  • Function is to absorb water and minerals from the soil
  • Hairs to increase the surface area
  • No chloroplasts
• Xylem


  • Function is to carry water and minerals in plants
  • Dead cells
  • Lignin lining (not permeable to water)
  • Water flows in one direction
  • Transpiration increases in warm, windy, dry conditions
• Phloem


  • Function is to carry glucose around the plant
  • Living cells
  • End plates with holes
  • Glucose moves in both directions - Translocation