Xylem vessels are specialized tube-like structures in vascular plants responsible for transporting water and dissolved minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant, especially the leaves. They are a key component of the xylem tissue and play a critical role in plant support and nutrient transport.
Key Features:
- Structure: Long, hollow tubes formed from dead cells (vessel elements) stacked end-to-end.
- Walls: Thick, lignified cell walls that provide mechanical strength.
- Perforation Plates: Openings at the ends of vessel elements allowing unimpeded water flow.
- Function: Capillary action and transpiration pull water upward from roots to leaves.
Functions:
- Water conduction
- Mineral nutrient transport
- Structural support
Importance in Agarwood:
In Aquilaria species, xylem vessels are the pathways through which inoculants (e.g., Fusarium oxysporum) travel. Successful infection and subsequent resin (agarwood) formation begin in the xylem tissue, making vessel structure crucial to the induction process.