-Priyanti, Subject Matter Expert at Edumarz
Solution: a) Transport of Water
The xylem tissues are a part of vascular bundles that have been specialized for the conduction of water and (soluble) minerals in higher plants. Components of the xylem include xylem vessels, xylem tracheids, xylem parenchyma and xylem fibers. Of these, mature xylem vessels are mainly responsible for this function. These lack cytoplasm, have walls made of lignin and are impermeable to water. The vessels, comprising elongated dead cells, are arranged from end-to-end forming a continuous channel which, alongwith xylem tracheids, are actually responsible for upward conduction of water from roots (ascent of xylem sap). Thus, xylem tissues transport water and soluble nutrients from roots to the other parts of plants.