SPIRAL VESSELS Meaning and
Definition
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Spiral vessels are specialized plant cells that are a vital component of the vascular tissues in certain types of plants. Also known as spiral tracheids, they are tubular structures that play a crucial role in the transport of water, minerals, and nutrients throughout the plant. Spiral vessels are found mainly in the xylem, which is the tissue responsible for conducting water and minerals from the roots to the leaves and other parts of the plant.
The name "spiral vessels" derives from their unique spiral or helical pattern, which is formed by thickened bands of the secondary cell wall. This distinctive morphology gives them strength and rigidity, allowing them to withstand the pressure exerted by the water column during upward transportation. Additionally, spiral vessels possess bordered pits, which are small pores in their walls that enable lateral movement of water between adjacent cells.
The presence of spiral vessels is particularly noteworthy in the evolutionary history of plants. They are prevalent in various primitive plant lineages, including ferns and gymnosperms, and they have been associated with plants that have limited or absent vessels with perforation plates. This suggests that spiral vessels may have played a crucial function in the early diversification of plants and the development of more complex vascular systems.
In summary, spiral vessels are specialized plant cells with a distinctive spiral shape and thickened walls, found primarily in the xylem tissue. They are essential for the transport of water, minerals, and nutrients throughout the plant, and their unique morphology and presence in evolutionary plant lineages make them an important feature in understanding the development of vascular systems.
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In bot., transparent tubes having one or more spiral fibres coiled up in their interior.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for SPIRAL VESSELS
Etymology of SPIRAL VESSELS
The etymology of the term "spiral vessels" can be analyzed by breaking it down into its two components: "spiral" and "vessels".
1. Spiral: The term "spiral" derives from the Latin word "spiralis", which means "winding" or "coiling". It can be traced back to the Latin verb "spirare", meaning "to breathe" or "to blow". This likely refers to the spiraling shape resembling the action of spiraling air or breath.
2. Vessels: The term "vessels" comes from the Old French word "vessel", which originated from the Latin word "vasculum" (a diminutive form of "vas") meaning "container" or "vessel". This ultimately goes back to the Proto-Indo-European root *wes-, which carries the sense of "to dwell" or "to reside".
