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Xylem cells are not living plant cells. They die so that they can form the thin tubes that conduct water upward via capillary action.

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Gillian Watsica

Lvl 13
2y ago
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8y ago

''because the whole plant is dead'' <---- NO!

the actual answer is this:The lignin in the walls prevents much from diffusing into or out of the cell except via the small pits that remain, so not much can enter or leave, and as progressively more and more lignin builds up (strengthening the vessel) theres less ability for anything inside the cell to survive.

Also, they need to be hollow to allow water to pass up them; organelles get in the way especially vacuoles. So they have to be empty thus dead for that.
Thirdly, the ends break down forming a continuous vessel, so if the xylem elements were alive they'd be in a bit of trouble.

Parenchyma cells of xylem are living.Other cells are dead due to lignin deposition

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AnswerBot

5mo ago

No, xylem cells are typically dead at maturity. Their main function is to transport water and minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant, providing structural support as well.

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10y ago

Xylem cells are not living plant cells. They die so that they can form the thin tubes that conduct water upward via capillary action.

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15y ago

They don't. Xylem cells are dead, while phloem cells are alive.

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14y ago

Xylem cells are dead at maturity and phloem cells are alive at maturity.

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Q: Do xylem cells have to be alive to do their job?
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Is mature phloem tissue dead upon maturity?

No, mature phloem tissue is not dead upon maturity. Phloem tissue remains alive and functional, aiding in the transport of sugars and other organic compounds throughout the plant. The cells in mature phloem tissue are specialized for this function and typically stay alive for an extended period.


Why is it impossible for the water conducting cells of xylem to carry on active transport?

Water conducting cells in xylem lack the organelles necessary for active transport functions, such as mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum. Their main function is to conduct water and minerals through passive processes like transpiration and cohesion-tension. Additionally, active transport requires energy input, which the non-living xylem cells cannot generate.


What is a group of xylem cells called?

Vascular tissue


How do phloem cells differ from xylem cells in a tree?

Phloem cells transport organic nutrients like sugars from leaves to other parts of the plant, while xylem cells transport water and minerals from roots to other plant tissues. Phloem cells are alive at maturity and contain sieve tubes for nutrient transport, while xylem cells are dead at maturity and contain tracheids or vessel elements for water transport.


What are cells that transport water and minerals from roots to shoots in plants are called?

The cells responsible for transporting water and minerals from the roots to the shoots in plants are called xylem cells. Xylem is a type of vascular tissue that forms a network of tubes to conduct water and minerals throughout the plant.

Related questions

Is mature phloem tissue dead upon maturity?

No, mature phloem tissue is not dead upon maturity. Phloem tissue remains alive and functional, aiding in the transport of sugars and other organic compounds throughout the plant. The cells in mature phloem tissue are specialized for this function and typically stay alive for an extended period.


Do xylem and phloem tissues stay alive all the time?

No xylem die at maturity but phloem stays alive all the time the plant is alive.


Why is it impossible for the water conducting cells of xylem to carry on active transport?

Water conducting cells in xylem lack the organelles necessary for active transport functions, such as mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum. Their main function is to conduct water and minerals through passive processes like transpiration and cohesion-tension. Additionally, active transport requires energy input, which the non-living xylem cells cannot generate.


Where is xylem found in the body?

Xylem cells are in plants not animals.


What is a sentence for xylem?

Xylem cells are found in vascular plants.


Where are xylem cells found in the human body?

xylem cells are present in the plant coducting tissue called xylem. they aren't in human body anywhere.


What are two functions of the xylem cells?

One is to transport the water and the minerals. The cells are adapted to this job because they do not contain cytoplasm so the water and minerals can travel through the xylem more easily. Two is to support the plant. Their walls have lignin (hard material)


Do xylem cells undergo cell division?

No, xylem cells do not undergo cell division. They are specialized cells for water and nutrient transportation in plants and once they mature, they lose the ability to divide.


Why is xylem vessel referred to as mechanical tissue?

- Walls made from dead lignin cells, which waterproof and support walls even if water levels are low in plants. - Narrow tubes so water column doesn't break easily. - Pits in walls allow water to move from one cell to another.


What is a group of xylem cells called?

Vascular tissue


How does the Xylem Cell reproduce?

Xylem cells are permanent, non-dividing cells that originate from special meristematic cells called procambial cells during plant development. They cannot reproduce independently. However, plants can produce new xylem cells through the activity of the vascular cambium, a meristematic tissue located between the xylem and phloem.


What is the job of animal cells?

the job of animal cell is to keep the animal alive