Cell specialisation

• Xylem

  The xylem is specialised to transport water up the stem of a plant and into the leaves.

  Open ended cells - Xylem vessels are made up of a series of connected dead xylem cells. The end walls of the dead cells are broken to allow water to move through.

  Lignin - Is a substance that strengthens the cell walls of xylem cells.
• Phloem

  Specialised to transport food products to parts of the plant where they are needed through small holes in the end walls of the phloem. Phloem vessels are made up of columns of living cells.