Tracheophytes

Definition

Tracheophytes are vascular plants that possess specialized tissues (xylem and phloem) for water and nutrient transport. They include both seedless plants like ferns and horsetails, as well as seed-bearing plants.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. They have true roots, stems, and leaves which distinguish them from non-vascular plants.
2. Xylem is responsible for the transport of water and minerals from roots to other parts of the plant.
3. Phloem transports sugars and other metabolic products downward from the leaves.
4. They exhibit a dominant sporophyte generation in their life cycle.
5. Tracheophytes can reproduce via spores or seeds depending on their classification.

Review Questions

• What are the two main types of tissues involved in nutrient and water transport in tracheophytes?
• How do tracheophytes differ from bryophytes in terms of structure?
• What distinguishes the sporophyte generation in tracheophytes?

Related terms

Xylem:

Vascular tissue responsible for transporting water and nutrients from roots to other parts of the plant.

Phloem:

Vascular tissue that conducts sugars and other metabolic products downward from the leaves.

Sporophyte: The diploid generation in a plant's life cycle that produces spores through meiosis.