Plant stems

Question 1

What is the function of xylem cells?

Answer 1

To transport water and mineral ions up the plant and provide support

Question 2

How do xylem cells look like?

Answer 2

They’re very long, tube like structures formed from dead cells joined end to end. The tubes are found together in bundles. They have a hollow lumen and thickened walls by lignin

Question 3

What is the function of sclerenchyma fibres?

Answer 3

They are crucial for a plant’s structural stability. Plants which do not make much lignin and are fragile require structural support (sclerenchyma)

Question 4

What is the structure of sclerenchyma fibres?

Answer 4

Composed of dead cells that heavily thickened walls containing lignin and high cellulose content

Question 5

What is the function of phloem cells?

Answer 5

To transport organic solutes (translocation). It’s purely a transport tissue.

Question 6

What is the structure of phloem cells?

Answer 6

Sieve tube elements join end to end to form sieve tubes which allows solutes to pass. They have companion cells to keep it alive.

Question 7

Where is calcium pectate found?

Answer 7

Middle lamella

Question 8

The concentration of magnesium ions in the soil was found to be very low. Explain the effects of a shortage of magnesium ions on a plant.

Answer 8

• Limits production of chlorophyll
• Lack of glucose due to less photosynthesis
• Therefore stunted growth/yellow leaves