Name the largest plant cell

Xylem is the tissue in plants that works like blood vessels, carrying water and nutrients from the roots to the leaves. Xylem is mainly made of dead cells with thick, lignified (hardened) secondary walls, which makes them strong and efficient in water transport.

The main parts of xylem are:

• Vessels and Tracheids – conduct water and minerals.
• Xylem Fibres – provide mechanical strength.
• Xylem Parenchyma – store food, tannins, and help in sideways (radial) water conduction.

Xylem is divided into Primary Xylem and Secondary Xylem:

1. Primary Xylem
   • Protoxylem – first formed, with smaller cells.
   • Metaxylem – formed later, with larger cells.
   • Arrangement:
     • Endarch – in stems (protoxylem near pith, metaxylem towards periphery).
     • Exarch – in roots (protoxylem on periphery, metaxylem in the centre).
2. Secondary Xylem
   • Produced by the vascular cambium.
   • Adds to the thickness (girth) of the plant.
   • Growth produces annual rings, with distinct spring wood and autumn wood.

 In short, xylem not only transports water and minerals but also gives strength and support to plants.