What is the function of the xylem
Answers
The function of xylem is to conduct water and mineral in plant i.e ascent of sap unidirectionally
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The main function of xylem is to transport water, and some soluble nutrients including minerals and inorganic ions, upwards from the roots to the rest of the plant. Xylem cells form long tubes that transport materials, and the mixture of water and nutrients that flows through the xylem cells is called xylem sap. These substances are transported through passive transport, so the process doesn’t require energy. The phenomenon that allows xylem sap to flow upwards against gravity is called capillary action. This occurs when surface tension makes liquid move upward. Water is also aided in moving up through the xylem by adhering to the xylem cells. However, it gets harder to work against gravity to transport materials as a plant grows taller, so xylem sets an upper limit on the growth of tall trees.
Xylem evolved in plants over 400 million years ago. In order to make food through photosynthesis, plants need to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and water from the soil. However, when the stomata—small holes in a plant’s leaves—are open to allow CO2 in, a lot of water evaporates, much more than the amount of CO2 taken in. Plants that developed systems to transport water to the sites of photosynthesis on leaves had a better chance of survival.