,BOT2601 Assignment 1 (COMPLETE ANSWERS)
Semester 1 2025 - DUE March 2025; 100% correct solutions
and explanations.
QUESTION 1
List the cell types concerned with transport of water in
angiosperms, and briefly
explain the differences between these cell types. (10)
In angiosperms, the cell types responsible for the transport of
water are:
1. Xylem Vessels:
o These are long, cylindrical cells that are dead at
maturity and are stacked end-to-end to form
continuous tubes. Xylem vessels have thick, lignified
walls and are perforated at their ends to allow for the
efficient flow of water and dissolved minerals from
the roots to the rest of the plant, primarily the leaves.
Their large diameter allows for faster water transport
compared to other cell types.
2. Tracheids:
o Tracheids are long, tapering, and also dead at
maturity. They have lignified cell walls but differ from
xylem vessels in that they do not have perforated end
walls. Instead, water flows between tracheids through
pits (small openings) in the side walls. Tracheids are
found in both angiosperms and gymnosperms and are
more common in older or more primitive plants. They
transport water more slowly compared to xylem
vessels.
, 3. Xylem Parenchyma:
o Xylem parenchyma cells are living cells with thin,
flexible walls. They are responsible for the storage of
water, nutrients, and other substances in the xylem
tissue. While they do not directly transport water, they
play a supportive role in regulating and managing
water movement within the plant.
4. Xylem Fibers:
o These are also dead cells with thick, lignified walls
that provide structural support to the xylem tissue.
While xylem fibers do not transport water, they help in
maintaining the integrity and strength of the xylem,
ensuring it can handle the pressure of water flow.
Key Differences:
Xylem Vessels vs. Tracheids: Xylem vessels have larger
diameters and perforated end walls, which allow for faster
and more efficient water transport compared to tracheids,
which have smaller diameters and rely on pits for water
movement.
Presence: Xylem vessels are primarily found in
angiosperms, while tracheids are present in both
angiosperms and gymnosperms.
Efficiency: Xylem vessels are more efficient at conducting
water, whereas tracheids provide slower, less efficient
water transport but are still effective for long-distance
movement in plants.
QUESTION 2
Semester 1 2025 - DUE March 2025; 100% correct solutions
and explanations.
QUESTION 1
List the cell types concerned with transport of water in
angiosperms, and briefly
explain the differences between these cell types. (10)
In angiosperms, the cell types responsible for the transport of
water are:
1. Xylem Vessels:
o These are long, cylindrical cells that are dead at
maturity and are stacked end-to-end to form
continuous tubes. Xylem vessels have thick, lignified
walls and are perforated at their ends to allow for the
efficient flow of water and dissolved minerals from
the roots to the rest of the plant, primarily the leaves.
Their large diameter allows for faster water transport
compared to other cell types.
2. Tracheids:
o Tracheids are long, tapering, and also dead at
maturity. They have lignified cell walls but differ from
xylem vessels in that they do not have perforated end
walls. Instead, water flows between tracheids through
pits (small openings) in the side walls. Tracheids are
found in both angiosperms and gymnosperms and are
more common in older or more primitive plants. They
transport water more slowly compared to xylem
vessels.
, 3. Xylem Parenchyma:
o Xylem parenchyma cells are living cells with thin,
flexible walls. They are responsible for the storage of
water, nutrients, and other substances in the xylem
tissue. While they do not directly transport water, they
play a supportive role in regulating and managing
water movement within the plant.
4. Xylem Fibers:
o These are also dead cells with thick, lignified walls
that provide structural support to the xylem tissue.
While xylem fibers do not transport water, they help in
maintaining the integrity and strength of the xylem,
ensuring it can handle the pressure of water flow.
Key Differences:
Xylem Vessels vs. Tracheids: Xylem vessels have larger
diameters and perforated end walls, which allow for faster
and more efficient water transport compared to tracheids,
which have smaller diameters and rely on pits for water
movement.
Presence: Xylem vessels are primarily found in
angiosperms, while tracheids are present in both
angiosperms and gymnosperms.
Efficiency: Xylem vessels are more efficient at conducting
water, whereas tracheids provide slower, less efficient
water transport but are still effective for long-distance
movement in plants.
QUESTION 2
