Practice question · Put in order
Arrange these steps in the order a xylem vessel element becomes functional.
- The cell is produced by the vascular cambium
- The end walls are broken down, connecting it to its neighbours
- It elongates and deposits a lignified secondary wall
- The cell dies and its contents are cleared
- Water flows through the continuous hollow tube
Hints
- The wall must be built before the cell can safely die.
- Conduction begins only once the cell is empty.
Show the answer
- The cell is produced by the vascular cambium
- It elongates and deposits a lignified secondary wall
- The end walls are broken down, connecting it to its neighbours
- The cell dies and its contents are cleared
- Water flows through the continuous hollow tube
Why
The cell builds its rigid wall first, then opens its end walls and dies, leaving a hollow lignified pipe. Building the wall before dying is essential, a cell that died first could not construct the tube it becomes.
Practise Plant Ground and Vascular Tissues
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