Vessels and tracheids are the components of xylem, the water and minerals conducting tissue in plants. Vessels and tracheids are jointly known as the tracheary elements of the xylem. Even though, both vessels and tracheids show functional similarities, they do possess some striking differences. The present post describes the similarities and difference between vessel and tracheid with a comparison table.
Similarities between Vessels and Tracheids
Ø Both vessels and tracheids are the components of xylem.
Ø Both are dead cells at maturity.
Ø Both can transport water.
Ø Both possess secondary lignified cell wall.
Ø Both are present in primary and secondary xylem.
Difference between Vessel and Tracheid
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 plants.
| You may also like... | ||
|---|---|---|
| NOTES | QUESTION BANK | COMPETITIVE EXAMS. |
| PPTs | UNIVERSITY EXAMS | DIFFERENCE BETWEEN.. |
| MCQs | PLUS ONE BIOLOGY | NEWS & JOBS |
| MOCK TESTS | PLUS TWO BIOLOGY | PRACTICAL |
You may also like…
@. Difference between Xylem and Phloem
@. Difference between Protoxylem and Metaxylem
@. Anatomy of Dicot Stem with PPT
@. Anatomy of Monocot Stem with PPT
@. Vascular Bundles: Structure and Classification