Xylem Water Transport, Cohesion-Tension, and Hydraulic Conductivity Explained | Chapter 13 of Plant Physiology and Development
Xylem Water Transport, Cohesion-Tension, and Hydraulic Conductivity Explained | Chapter 13 of Plant Physiology and Development Chapter 13 of Plant Physiology and Development explores the mechanisms that move water and dissolved minerals from roots to leaves through the xylem. These long-distance movements are vital for plant hydration, nutrient supply, photosynthesis, and temperature regulation. This chapter explains the physics behind bulk flow, the structure of xylem conduits, the cohesion-tension mechanism, and how plants maintain continuous water columns under negative pressure. To support your understanding, the complete Last Minute Lecture summary is embedded below. Watch the full chapter breakdown here: Xylem Structure and Specialized Tracheary Elements Xylem transport relies on two major cell types: Tracheids – elongated cells with tapered ends found in all vascular plants Vessel elements – shorter, wider cells linked end-to-end by perforation plates Bot...