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What are xylem vessels made of?

On websites it says its made up of dead cells, well what are these did cells? Are they xylem vessel elements? If not what is the difference b/w xylem vessels and xylem vessel elements?

Reply 1

the bear

https://www.msu.edu/~walwort8/page3.html

Reply 2

mohammadaqudah

Xylem is made up of several different types of cells, most of which are dead. Long tubular structures called xylem vessels are the main functional units of the xylem. Make sure that you co not confuse between the sclerenchyma tissue and the xylem tissues.

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Reply 3

student_1995

On websites it says its made up of dead cells, well what are these did cells? Are they xylem vessel elements? If not what is the difference b/w xylem vessels and xylem vessel elements?

A xylem vessel is made of lots of cells called xylem vessel elements stacked together to form a hollow column which water can flow through with little resistance. As the cells mature, they lose their organelles and secrete lignin which waterproofs them and kills them. This makes vessels hollow. Water enters vessels through pits: pores where there is no lignin. It can also pass to other vessels via pits.