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An fluid conducting
structure in most angiosperm
composed by an axial series of cells that have coalesced to form an
articulated tube-like structure of indeterminate length. |
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| [ From Latin "vasculum" a
small vessel ] |
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A vessel is a
tubelike structure of indeterminate length of the xylem that consists of a column of superposed cylindrical dead
cells (vessel
elements )
whose end walls have been perforated or totally degraded, resulting in a
continuous tube reinforced by rings and spirals of
cellulose fibrils thickened with
lignin.
Its function is to conduct water and minerals through the plant body.
They are found in nearly all
angiosperms and
flowering plants.
Compare with: Trachea,
Tracheid |
