Describe the structure and functions of xylem tissues in angiosperm plants.
Xylem is a complex tissue. It forms a part of the vascular bundle. It is mainly concerned with the conduction of water and minerals. It also provides mechanical support to the plant. As a conducting strand, xylem forms a continuous channel through the roots, stem, leaves and other aerial parts. It consists of four different types of cells—xylem vessels, trachieds, xylem fibres and xylem parenchyma. Xylem vessels and tracheids are concerned with the conduction of water and minerals from roots to aerial parts of the plant. Xylem fibres provide mechanical strength to the plant body. Xylem parenchyma are the only living components of xylem. These are concerned with the storage of food and other vital functions
