,BOT2601 Assignment 1 (COMPLETE ANSWERS) Semester 1
2025 - DUE March 2025 ..WE WISH YOU ALL TE BEST
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 transport of water primarily occurs through
specialized cells in the xylem tissue. The main cell types
involved in water transport are tracheids and vessel elements.
Below is a list and explanation of these cell types, along with
their differences:
1. Tracheids
Structure: Tracheids are elongated, spindle-shaped cells
with tapered ends. They have thick, lignified secondary cell
walls that provide structural support.
Function: They are involved in both water transport and
mechanical support. Water moves between tracheids
through pits, which are thin, porous areas in the cell walls.
Distribution: Found in all vascular plants, including
angiosperms, gymnosperms, and ferns.
Efficiency: Less efficient for water transport compared to
vessel elements due to the presence of pits, which create
resistance to water flow.
, 2. Vessel Elements
Structure: Vessel elements are shorter, wider, and less
tapered than tracheids. They are arranged end-to-end to
form continuous tubes called vessels.
Function: Primarily specialized for water transport. The
end walls of vessel elements are either partially or
completely dissolved, forming perforation plates that allow
for efficient water flow.
Distribution: Found mainly in angiosperms, contributing
to their efficient water transport system.
Efficiency: More efficient than tracheids due to the
presence of perforation plates, which reduce resistance to
water flow.
Key Differences Between Tracheids and Vessel Elements
Feature Tracheids Vessel Elements
Elongated, spindle- Shorter, wider, less
Shape
shaped, tapered ends tapered
No perforations (only Perforated end walls
End Walls
pits) (perforation plates)
Faster due to
Water Flow Slower due to pits
perforation plates
Mechanical Provides significant
Provides less support
Support support
Found in all vascular Primarily in
Distribution
plants angiosperms
2025 - DUE March 2025 ..WE WISH YOU ALL TE BEST
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 transport of water primarily occurs through
specialized cells in the xylem tissue. The main cell types
involved in water transport are tracheids and vessel elements.
Below is a list and explanation of these cell types, along with
their differences:
1. Tracheids
Structure: Tracheids are elongated, spindle-shaped cells
with tapered ends. They have thick, lignified secondary cell
walls that provide structural support.
Function: They are involved in both water transport and
mechanical support. Water moves between tracheids
through pits, which are thin, porous areas in the cell walls.
Distribution: Found in all vascular plants, including
angiosperms, gymnosperms, and ferns.
Efficiency: Less efficient for water transport compared to
vessel elements due to the presence of pits, which create
resistance to water flow.
, 2. Vessel Elements
Structure: Vessel elements are shorter, wider, and less
tapered than tracheids. They are arranged end-to-end to
form continuous tubes called vessels.
Function: Primarily specialized for water transport. The
end walls of vessel elements are either partially or
completely dissolved, forming perforation plates that allow
for efficient water flow.
Distribution: Found mainly in angiosperms, contributing
to their efficient water transport system.
Efficiency: More efficient than tracheids due to the
presence of perforation plates, which reduce resistance to
water flow.
Key Differences Between Tracheids and Vessel Elements
Feature Tracheids Vessel Elements
Elongated, spindle- Shorter, wider, less
Shape
shaped, tapered ends tapered
No perforations (only Perforated end walls
End Walls
pits) (perforation plates)
Faster due to
Water Flow Slower due to pits
perforation plates
Mechanical Provides significant
Provides less support
Support support
Found in all vascular Primarily in
Distribution
plants angiosperms
