Question

vessel elements are more efficient than tracheids

Answer 1

The vessels of the xylem are more efficient than the tracheids in water conduction due to the presence of perforations in them. These perforations allow for the continuous flow of water into the xylem vessels. In comparison, tracheids are not perforated.

The xylem tracheids are long, narrow, tubelike cells. The walls of tracheids are thick and hard. Their main functions include the conduction of water and the provision of mechanical support to the body of the plant. The tracheids have no perforation plates and are thus not perforated cells.

In comparison, the xylem vessels are perforated cells and have a comparatively larger diameter than the tracheids. The walls of vessels are less thick when compared to those of the tracheids. The different members of xylem vessels are interconnected through porous plates, known as perforation plates, and are thus capable of transporting water more easily when compared to tracheids.