https://gardenology.mywikis.net/w/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=Tracheid 2026-04-11T21:02:10Z Revision history for this page on the wiki MediaWiki 1.35.3 https://gardenology.mywikis.net/w/index.php?title=Tracheid&diff=2298&oldid=prev 2007-04-06T05:33:16Z

<p></p> <p><b>New page</b></p><div>'''Tracheids''' are elongated [[cell (biology)|cell]]s in the [[xylem]] of [[vascular plant]]s, serving in the transport of water. The build of tracheids will vary according to where they occur. <br /> <br /> Tracheids are one of two types of tracheary elements, [[vessel element]]s being the other. All tracheary elements will develop a thick lignified cell wall, and at maturity the [[protoplast]] has broken down and disappeared. The presence of tracheary elements is the defining characteristic of vascular plants to differentiate them from [[non-vascular plant]]s. <br /> <br /> The two major functions that tracheids may fulfill are <br /> * as part of the transport system<br /> * in structural support<br /> <br /> In most cases, the prime function of tracheids is that of transporting water. They occur in [[vascular bundle]]s throughout the non-woody parts of the vascular plant and provide water and minerals collected by the roots to leaves and other parts of the plant (stem, flowers, fruits etc). <br /> <br /> A good example of structural support is in [[softwood]]s where tracheids are the major cell type. Tracheids give softwood its strength. <br /> <br /> Because tracheids have a much higher surface to volume ratio compared to vessel elements, they serve to hold water against gravity (by [[adhesion]]) when [[transpiration]] is not occurring. This is likely one mechanism that helps plants prevent air emboli.<br /> <br /> ==See also==<br /> * [[vessel element]]<br /> * [[xylem]]<br /> <br /> ==References==<br /> * Wilson, K. &amp; D.J.B. White (1986). ''The Anatomy of Wood: its Diversity and variability.'' Stobart &amp; Son Ltd, London <br /> <br /> ==External links==<br /> *Pictures of softwood tracheids [http://botweb.uwsp.edu/anatomy/images/gymnospermwood/pages/Anat0288.htm in cross section] and [http://botweb.uwsp.edu/anatomy/images/xylemdevelopment/pages/Anat0182.htm in maceration]; both in pine.<br /> <br /> [[Category:Plant anatomy]]<br /> [[Category:Plant physiology]]</div>

Raffi