Plant stem structure

Question 1

what are the features of the structure of the xylem

Answer 1

has cellulose microfibrils in the cell wall
walls are thickened by lignin
continuous column made of hollow, dead cells
have pits in their walls
vessels have open ends

Question 2

what are the features of the structure of the phloem

Answer 2

has a cellulose cell wall
sieve tube elements have very few organelles
have sieve plate with sieve pores
companion cell is linked to each sieve tube element by plasmodesmata
living tissue

Question 3

what are the features of the structure of the sclerenchyma

Answer 3

fibres/cells have cellulose cell walls which are lignified
dead and hollow cells when mature
often have pits in their walls
long, narrow and pointed at both ends

Question 4

what is the function of the xylem

Answer 4

transports water and dissolved mineral ions from roots to leaves
structural support

Question 5

what is the function of the phloem

Answer 5

transport of organic solutes (sucrose, amino acids) in process of translation

Question 6

what is the function of the sclerenchyma

Answer 6

structural support only