Question

What adaptive advantages might the dead cells of xylem tissue provide over transporting cells that are alive?

Answer 1

there is no need of ATPs to sustain the cell alive as the dead xylery elements use passive transport. also dead xylem provides more adhesion with water molecules. remember that xylem needs to transport mineral ions too along with water. so dead cells has no problem with the ion concentration in the water[solute] and live cells may get plasmolysed or turgid by changes in ion conc. in the fluid. hope this helps