# Describe how xylem vessels are adapted to transport water and mineral ions from the roots to the leaves of a plant.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) — 8.1 Xylem and phloem · Describe · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Xylem vessels have thick walls containing lignin
2. Xylem vessels are hollow / have no cell contents
3. Xylem cells are joined end-to-end with no cross walls, forming a continuous tube
4. Water molecules are cohesive, enabling water to move up the xylem in a continuous stream

## Key terms

- [xylem](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/xylem)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-how-xylem-vessels-are-adapted-cc724244) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.