What is vessel member?

Vessel member is a type of plant cell that is commonly found in the xylem tissue of vascular plants. Their main function is to transport water and minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant. Vessel members are elongated thin-walled cells that are connected to each other end-to-end to form long hollow tubes. This arrangement allows for efficient and rapid transport of water and nutrients through the plant. The cell walls of vessel members are lined with lignin, a tough and durable material that provides support and prevents collapse of the tubes under pressure. Vessel members are distinguished from other types of xylem cells, such as tracheids, by their wider diameter and open ends, which allows for greater efficiency in water transport. The presence of vessel members is one of the key adaptations that allowed vascular plants to colonize land and grow to large sizes.