Question

How would the long-distance transport of water be affected if tracheids and vessel elements were alive at maturity? Explain.

Short answer

Tracheids and vessel elements are components of the xylem that are dead at maturity. If they remain alive at maturity, their cytoplasm will obstruct the movement of water in plants. Thus, prevent long distant water movement.

Step-by-step solution

Tracheids and vessel elements

Tracheids and vessels elements are present in primary and secondary xylem and possess secondary lignification. They are dead at maturity. They provide mechanical transport to the plant and also conduct water along the stem of the plant.

The xylem consists of four components: tracheids, xylem vessels, xylem fibers, and xylem parenchyma. Excluding the xylem parenchyma, all the components of the xylem are dead at maturity.

Long-distance transport of water

Long-distance transport of liquid takes place due to the suction of water by roots. When roots of plants absorb water from the ground, the xylem transports water from roots to the leaves and helps them to perform their function.

Effect of alive tracheid and vessel on water transport

Tracheids depose lignocellulosic cell wall thickening in their structure during maturity; hence they lose their protoplasm and die. Thus, they are dead at maturity.

The movement of water in plants will be altered if tracheids and vessels remain alive instead of dead at their maturity state. They prevent the transport of water over long-distance in plants. Thus, this can be harmful to the survival of the plants.