specialised plant cells

root hair cell properties / adaptations

• long hair-like shape - increase surface area for water & mineral absorption

• thin cell wall - shortens distance for diffusion

• large vacuole - stores water to maintain the cell’s turgidity

• no chloroplasts - underground; no need for photosynthesis

xylem cell properties / adaptations

• hollow tubes - allow water and minerals to flow through easily

• lignin in walls - strengthens the cell wall, preventing collapse & supporting the plant

• no end walls - forms a continuous column for water transport

• dead cells - lack organelles to allow for unobstructed flow of water

phloem cell properties / adaptations

• sieve plates - allow flow of sugars and other nutrients between cells

• companion cells - provide energy for active transport of sugars

• few organelles - maximises space for transporting sugars

• living cells - maintain metabolic functions necessary for sugar transport