Vessel elements and vessel members are both types of cells found in the xylem, a vascular tissue that transports water and minerals in plants. However, there are some differences between them:
1. Structure: Vessel elements are long, tube-like cells with perforations at the end walls, whereas vessel members are shorter cells with simple pits in their walls.
2. Function: Vessel elements are responsible for water transportation and are the main cells that form vessels in the xylem, whereas vessel members have a more structural role and provide support to the plant.
3. Location: Vessel elements are found in the primary and secondary xylem, whereas vessel members are only found in the secondary xylem.
4. Species specificity: Vessel elements are present in angiosperms and some gymnosperms, whereas vessel members are found in gymnosperms and few angiosperms.
Overall, vessel elements are specialized cells that transport water efficiently through the plant, while vessel members provide structural support to the xylem tissue.
differences between vessel elements and vessel members
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