Which part of the plant carries water from the root?

The part of the plant that carries water from the root is called the xylem. The xylem is a specialized tissue in vascular plants that is responsible for transporting water and nutrients from the roots to the rest of the plant. The xylem tissue consists of long, tube-like structures made up of dead cells that are arranged end to end, forming a continuous pathway for water and minerals to move through the plant.



Xylem and phloem are the two types of specialized tissues found in vascular plants that are responsible for the transport of water, minerals, and organic molecules throughout the plant.

Xylem: The xylem is responsible for the upward movement of water and dissolved minerals from the roots to the stems and leaves of the plant. It consists of elongated, hollow tubes made up of dead cells called tracheids and vessel elements. These cells are arranged end to end in a continuous column that allows for the movement of water and minerals up the plant through capillary action.

The xylem is also responsible for providing structural support to the plant, as it is a rigid and durable tissue that can withstand the tension generated by the upward movement of water. In addition to tracheids and vessel elements, the xylem also contains fibers and parenchyma cells that provide additional support and allow for the storage of nutrients.

Phloem: The phloem, on the other hand, is responsible for the downward movement of sugars, amino acids, and other organic molecules from the leaves to the rest of the plant. It is composed of four different types of cells: sieve elements, companion cells, fibers, and parenchyma cells.

Sieve elements are the main cells responsible for the movement of organic molecules through the phloem. They are elongated cells that are arranged end to end to form long tubes called sieve tubes. The end walls of sieve elements have pores called sieve plates, which allow for the movement of molecules between adjacent cells.

Companion cells are adjacent to sieve elements and provide metabolic support to these cells. They are responsible for loading organic molecules into the sieve elements and regulating their movement through the phloem.

Fibers and parenchyma cells provide structural support and allow for the storage of nutrients in the phloem. Unlike the xylem, the phloem is a living tissue that requires energy to function.

In summary, the xylem and phloem are two types of specialized tissues found in vascular plants that are responsible for the transport of water, minerals, and organic molecules throughout the plant. The xylem is responsible for the upward movement of water and minerals, while the phloem is responsible for the downward movement of organic molecules.

What are tracheids, vessels and sieve elements?

Tracheids, vessels, and sieve elements are three types of specialized cells found in the xylem and phloem tissues of vascular plants.

Tracheids are long, narrow cells with tapered ends found in the xylem tissue. They are the most common type of cell in the xylem and are responsible for the transport of water and minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant. Tracheids have lignified cell walls, which provide strength and support to the plant, and pits, which allow water to move laterally between adjacent cells.

Vessels are another type of cell found in the xylem tissue. They are larger and wider than tracheids and have a more efficient water-conducting system. Vessel elements have a perforated end wall called a perforation plate, which allows for the movement of water and dissolved minerals through the cell. Vessels are found primarily in flowering plants and some gymnosperms.

Sieve elements are specialized cells found in the phloem tissue of vascular plants. They are responsible for the transport of organic molecules, such as sugars and amino acids, from the leaves to the rest of the plant. Sieve elements are elongated cells that are connected end-to-end to form a sieve tube. The end walls of sieve elements are called sieve plates, which contain pores that allow for the movement of organic molecules between adjacent cells. The movement of molecules through the sieve elements is aided by companion cells, which provide energy and metabolic support to the sieve elements.

In summary, tracheids, vessels, and sieve elements are three types of specialized cells found in the xylem and phloem tissues of vascular plants. Tracheids and vessels are responsible for the transport of water and minerals, while sieve elements are responsible for the transport of organic molecules.