Which adaptation of xylem helps prevent water leaving the xylem vessels?
A - OCR Gateway - GCSE Biology - Question 4 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 4
Which adaptation of xylem helps prevent water leaving the xylem vessels?
A. Lignin in the walls of the xylem
B. Pits (holes) in the walls of the xylem
C. The breakd... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Which adaptation of xylem helps prevent water leaving the xylem vessels?
A - OCR Gateway - GCSE Biology - Question 4 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
A. Lignin in the walls of the xylem
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Answer
Lignin is a complex organic polymer found in the cell walls of many plants, particularly in xylem tissue. It provides structural support and helps impermeabilize the cell walls, which is essential for preventing water loss through evaporation.
Step 2
B. Pits (holes) in the walls of the xylem
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Pits in the xylem walls allow for lateral movement of water and solutes between adjacent xylem cells. While they have important functions, they do not primarily serve to prevent water loss.
Step 3
C. The breakdown of cross walls between cells that make up the xylem
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Answer
The breakdown of cross walls forms continuous tubes for efficient water transport. However, this process does not contribute to water retention.
Step 4
D. The lack of cell contents in the cells that make up the xylem
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Answer
The lack of cell contents means that xylem vessels are essentially hollow tubes, which facilitates water flow but does not directly prevent water loss.
