What does xylem vessels carry explain in detail

Dear student,

Xylem is a complex tissue that helps in the conduction of water and minerals from roots to the stems and leaves.

Xylem tracheary elements consist of cells known as tracheids and xylem vessels, both of which are narrow, elongated, and hollow.

In flowering plants, tracheids and vessels are the main water supporting elements. Though tracheids are less specialized than vessels, they are the only type of water-conducting cells in gymnosperms and other seedless vascular plants. Whereas vessels are the main water-conducting cells in angiosperms. Water moving from tracheid to tracheid must pass through a thin modified primary cell wall known as pit membrane, which serves to prevent the passage of damaging air bubbles.

Vessel membranes are characterized by areas that lack both primary and secondary cell walls, known as perforations. Hence, water flows from vessel to vessel unimpeded through these perforations, though disruptions from air bubbles are more likely to occur.

Thus in Xylem, tracheids, and xylem vessels are placed end to end like tubes, thus helping in smooth conduction of water from roots to stems and leaves.

Regards.