Botany

Xylem

물관

Definition

Vascular tissue that transports water and dissolved minerals from roots upward to leaves and other plant parts.

Detailed Explanation

Xylem is composed of dead cells — tracheids and vessel elements — whose walls provide structural support while their hollow interiors conduct water. The cohesion-tension theory explains water movement: evaporation at leaves creates tension that pulls a continuous water column upward through capillarity and hydrogen bonding between water molecules. Xylem also stores water during drought and is the wood of trees.

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