Dictionary > Tracheary elements

Tracheary elements

Definition
noun
(botany) The principal conductive cells of the xylem associated with the conduction of water and minerals from roots to the other parts of the plants
Supplement
The xylem is the vascular tissue responsible for the upward conduction of water and nutrients from the roots. The xylem tissue moves water and nutrients to various parts of the plant such as shoots and leaves. Its major components include xylem parenchyma, xylem fibers, tracheids, and vessels.
The tracheary elements of the xylem are the tracheids and the xylem vessels. A tracheid is a tubular cell whose primary function is to conduct water and mineral salts, provide structural support, and prevent air embolism in vascular plants. A xylem vessel is a series of cells arranged in a way that enables rapid and more efficient water and mineral conduction in most angiosperms. Not all vascular plants have xylem vessels. In pteridophytes and most gymnosperms, the tracheid is the major conductive tissue and xylem vessel is absent. Most angiosperms have both tracheids and xylem vessels, and the xylem vessels are their main conductive tissue. The water flows rapidly in a xylem vessel due to its wider lumen (diameter) than that of a tracheid. Gymnosperms lacking vessels are a source of a type of wood referred to as softwood. In turn, the angiosperms with both tracheids and xylem vessels are source of the so-called hardwood.
See also:


You will also like...

Lentic community
Freshwater Communities & Lentic Waters

Lentic or still water communities can vary greatly in appearance -- from a small temporary puddle to a large lake. The s..

Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes
Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes

Learn about the general structure of a eukaryotic gene, the transcription factors, and post-transcriptional regulation....

An artistic depiction of a human embryo
Growth and Development of a Human Baby

Upon fertilization, a zygote forms and develops into an embryo. This tutorial elaborates on the growth and development f..

Community Patterns

Learn about community patterns and the ecological factors influencing these patterns. Revisit some of the ecosystems you..

DNA carries genes coding for proteins
Genetic Information and Protein Synthesis

Genes are expressed through the process of protein synthesis. This elaborate tutorial provides an in-depth review of the..

Peppered moth ("Biston betularia") melanic and light form
Examples of Natural Selection

Darwin's Finches are an example of natural selection in action. They are an excellent example of the way species' gene p..

Related Articles...

No related articles found

See all Related Topics