Difference Between Tracheids And Vessels: Plants, as multicellular eukaryotes, are composed of various tissues that serve specialized functions. Two key elements are present within the xylem, which conducts water: tracheids and vessels. Tracheids are the principal conduits in ferns and gymnosperms, while vessels are characteristic of angiosperms. Tracheids have a narrower structure than vessels, with vessels featuring perforation plates near their cell ends.
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This structural difference contributes to the higher efficiency of water conduction in vessels than tracheids. Additionally, both tracheids and vessels provide mechanical support to plants. The primary distinctions between tracheids and vessels lie in their diameter and water-conduction efficiency. Refer to the article below for more about the difference between tracheids and vessels.
Difference Between Tracheids And Vessels | ||
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Characteristic | Tracheid Element | Vessel Element |
Occurrence | Found in all vascular plants and gymnosperms | Found only in angiosperms |
Origin | Originates from a single cell | Originates from a long file of cells and forms a tube-like structure |
Function | Facilitates transfer of water and mineral salts while providing mechanical support | Conducts water from roots to other plant parts while offering mechanical support |
Perforation | Imperforate cell | Perforated cell |
Cell Wall Thickness | Thin cell wall | Thick cell wall |
Water Conduction | Inefficient due to lack of perforations | Efficient due to perforated cells |
Cross-Section Shape | Polygonal | Circular |
Surface/Volume Ratio | High surface/volume ratio | Low surface/volume ratio |