What is the difference between tracheids and vessels in xylem ?
Answers
Explanation:
Sl. No. Vessels Tracheids
1 Vessel is a syncyte, formed by the piling up of many cells. Tracheids are not syncyte, they are individual cells.
2 Individual cells (vessel elements) are shorter than tracheids. Cells are longer than vessels.
3 Advanced than tracheids. Primitive than vessels.
4 Average length is 10 cm. Average length is 1 mm.
5 Cells are broader than tracheids. Cells are narrower than vessels.
6 Cell lumen is large. Cell lumen is small.
7 Cells are circular in cross section. Cells are polygonal in cross section.
8 Secondary cell wall is thinner than tracheids. Secondary cell wall is thicker than vessels.
9 Vessel cells are with diagonal or transverse end walls. Cells with tapering end walls.
10 Vessel elements are connected in an end to end fashion. Tracheids are connected laterally.
11 End wall with perforation plate. End wall without perforation plate.
12 Vessels usually confined to Angiosperms. Tracheids present in all vascular plants (Pteridophytes, Gymnosperms and Angiosperms).
13 Lower surface to volume ration than tracheids. Higher surface to volume ratio than vessels.
14 More efficient in water conduction than tracheids. Less efficient in water conduction than vessels.
15 Main conductive elements in Angiosperms. Main conductive elements in Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms.
16 No role in the prevention of air embolisms in plants. Provide high adhesion force and prevent air embolism in