DENDROLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Xylem transports water and minerals in plants from roots up to the stem, to the leaves. If Xylem is removed from a plant, the plant will not be able to transport water to leaves, hindering various processes like photosynthesis, transpiration, growth etc. The plant will initially wilt and then ultimately die.

Detailed explanation-2: -If the xylem of the plant is removed, upward movement of water will stop leading to wilting of leaves and ultimately causes the death of a plant. In the absence of water, the plant will not be able to prepare food and also perform other essential activities.

Detailed explanation-3: -There are two main reasons due to which the xylem is unidirectional, namely positive root pressure and transpiration pull. Positive root pressure means it is against the gravitational pull, and the transpiration pull acts as a suction pump for the xylem tube. Thus, the water rises upwards.

Detailed explanation-4: -If a xylem vessel becomes broken, as the pressure is lost, hence the cohesive forces break, water cannot be pulled up through the vessels, so air is drawn into the vessel rather than water leaking out.

Detailed explanation-5: -As transpiration occurs, it deepens the meniscus of water in the leaf, creating negative pressure (also called tension or suction). The tension created by transpiration “pulls” water in the plant xylem, drawing the water upward in much the same way that you draw water upward when you suck on a straw.