Ginelle Morrison

13a-1 November 30, 2020

Biology
The uptake and transfer of water and minerals
3. Use the scale bar in Figure 5.10 to calculate the width of the lumen (space) inside one of
the xylem vessels.
Bar length =
12mm
Which is 12000um
Magnification= image/object
=12000um/100um
= 120
Diameter of vessel above scale bar
=20mm
=20000um
Size of object
= image/object
=20000um/120
=167um

4. Explain how each of these features adapts xylem vessels for their function of transporting
water from roots to leaves.
a total lack of cell contents- provides an uninterrupted pathway for water to flow
b no end walls in individual xylem elements – provides an uninterrupted pathway for water
to flow
c a diameter of between 0.01 mm and 0.2 mm- a wider diameter would mean that there is
more space for water to move up through the xylem vessels at a faster time. If too wide that
would result in an increase in tendency for the water column to break. Therefore the diameter
ranges between these two units to ensure the effectiveness of the movement of water up the
plant.
d lignified walls – provides support and prevents the vessels from collapsing inwards. The
ligment is water proof therefore water proofing the walls and prevent the water from going
outside the vessels.
e pits – the pits in the walls allows water to move in and out of the vessels.