Xylem Parenchyma

Xylem parenchyma can be described as a component of the complex plant tissue xylem. The said cells are mostly concerned with the storage of fat and carbohydrate and transport of water.

While on this topic, it must be noted that plant tissues are categorised as per their structure and functioning. Furthermore, in a broader sense, they are divided into two types, namely – the meristematic tissues and permanent tissues.

Keeping this vital information in mind, let us proceed to find out more about the xylem structure and subsequently move on to learn about parenchyma cells in the xylem.

What is Xylem?

Xylem is a vascular tissue that is found extensively in plants. The primary xylem function is to transport water and dissolved nutrients from the root to the leaves to plants. Also, it is responsible for plants’ mechanical strength.

Xylem can be primarily divided into two types of cells.

1. Primary Xylem: It originates from procambium and is divided into metaxylem and protoxylem. Typically, it is formed during a plant’s primary growth.

2. Secondary Xylem: It originates from vascular cambium and is formed during the secondary growth of a plant.

Take a quick look at the image below to find out the distinct classification of plant tissues and where the xylem fits in it.

Components of Xylem

Xylem comprises these 4 elements –

1. Vessels

2. Tracheids

3. Xylem parenchyma

4. Xylem fibres

You should refer to this image below to understand these 4 elements which primarily compose the xylem.

What is Xylem Parenchyma?

It is one of the most important and the only living components of the xylem. Its cells come with ample cytoplasm and distinct nucleus; however, its cellulosic cell walls are quite thin.

The absence of the lignified cell wall is most noteworthy here. Furthermore, in the secondary xylem, the occurrence of secondary growth is sporadic. These cells are mostly concerned with the storage of starch and fat and may facilitate the transportation of water in a short distance.

Structure of Xylem Parenchyma

Typically, xylem parenchyma is classified into 2 types –

1. Axial Parenchyma

It originates from the cambial cells’ stretched out fusiform initials and is arranged on the axis of the organ they occur.

2. Ray Parenchyma

It originates from cambium’s ray initials. Notably, in xylem, there are 2 types of ray parenchyma –

1. Upright ray cells

2. Procumbent ray cells

Features of Xylem Parenchyma

Here are the significant features of xylem parenchyma –

1. They are the only living cells that are colourless and have large vacuoles.

2. Their cell wall is thin and cellulosic.

3. They have a prominent protoplast and nucleus.

4. These living cells are present in both the primary xylem and secondary xylem.

5. Crystals with parenchyma cells have lignified walls.

6. In herbaceous plants and new twigs of woody plants, chloroplasts are found in ray parenchyma cells.

7. Axial parenchyma and ray parenchyma cells are present next to vessels outgrowths, tyloses.

8. The living cells’ nucleus and cytoplasm migrate into tyloses.

9. These tyloses accumulate a variety of substances.

10. Tyloses often develop secondary walls, while at other times they may differentiate into sclereids.

Functions of Xylem Parenchyma 

The xylem functions are as follows –

1. Storage of food in the form of fat, crystals, starch, tannins, etc. 

2. Circular transportation of water through the ray parenchymatous cell.

3. Outgrowth called tyloses helps to combat vascular tissue damage during infection or drought.

4. Maintenance of xylem’s transportation capacity.

5. Restoration of the proper functionality of tracheids and vessels in case of cavity blockage due to embolism.

Check out this table below to find out the fundamental differences between xylem and phloem.

Difference between Xylem and Phloem

Both xylem and phloem are jointly responsible for the proper functioning and sustenance of plants. Therefore, you need to become familiar with both concepts to understand their importance in plants. In turn, it will also help you to secure high marks in NEET exams and enhance your chances to crack the same.

Make the Most of Last Minute Revision for Guaranteed Success!

As the NEET exams inch closer, you must ensure to make the most of the last moment revisions. It will directly help to eliminate lingering doubts and fears while also benefiting your overall preparation.

Furthermore, dedicate more time to important topics like xylem parenchyma to strengthen your grasp on them. Likewise, adopting a smart revision technique like using parenchyma diagrams and charts to retain vital information with greater ease and to gain more clarity at the same time.

Other than that, you must also pay attention to your health and take adequate breaks between study sessions to help your brain relax.

Cheers to a brighter future ahead!

Xylem is mainly involved in the storage of carbohydrates, oil and also in the substances that are orgastic. So it is a water-conducting tissue. Do you know what happens if the xylem is removed? 

What happens is the dying of the plants! The plant will start getting wilted. And you know how much water is necessary for a plant to undergo the process of photosynthesis. And as a result, in the absence of water, the plant cannot prepare and also do essential activities. So students can find such fun facts about xylem from the Vedantu website and apps. 

Students have already discussed how much xylem and phloem is important for the functioning of the plant and their activities. The xylem and phloem together are called vascular bundles. The phloem in general helps in the transportation of amino acids, sugar and also other nutrients. So what would happen if the essential amino acids and sugar don’t reach the entire parts of the plant body? 

So just like the xylem removal, the removal of phloem also will result in the death of the plant. So both of them do have a vital role in the case of a plant in short.

However, students must understand that there are plants that don’t have xylem and phloem. The interesting fact is, for the conduction of water and minerals there are alternate ways. The presence of lignified water-conducting tissues that are present will help to proceed just like the xylem and phloem. So it means that a plant doesn’t necessarily need xylem and phloem for existing. You must find the plants that are non-vascular as well. That can be learned from the Vedantu websites and apps.