What is the Role of Xylem in the Transpiration Stream?
The xylem is the primary tissue responsible for the conduction of water and dissolved minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant. Xylem vessels are composed of elongated cells that facilitate the upward movement of water through capillary action, root pressure, and transpiration pull. The histological structure of xylem, with its lignified cell walls, provides the necessary support to withstand the negative pressure generated during transpiration.
