# Explain how the structure of xylem vessels makes them well adapted for transporting water and minerals from the roots to the leaves of a plant.

> OCR GCSE Biology A: Gateway Science (J247) — B2.1 Supplying the cell · Explain · 4 marks

> Plants need to move water and dissolved minerals from the soil up to their leaves. Xylem vessels are specialised plant cells responsible for this transport.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Xylem vessels are hollow/have no living contents, providing an unobstructed pathway for water movement
2. Lignin strengthens the xylem vessel walls, preventing them from collapsing under pressure
3. Xylem vessels are joined end to end, forming long continuous tubes that allow water to travel from roots to leaves
4. Water and minerals move by diffusion/osmosis/mass flow up the concentration gradient, and the structure allows this passive movement without requiring energy

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for OCR GCSE Biology A: Gateway Science (J247)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-the-structure-of-xylem-3e23c02b) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.