Vein

Definition

Veins are vascular structures in plants that transport water, nutrients, and food throughout the plant body. In seedless vascular plants, veins are essential components of leaves, helping to support the plant's physiological functions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Veins in seedless vascular plants consist of xylem and phloem tissues.
2. The arrangement of veins can vary between different species of seedless vascular plants.
3. Veins help in the structural support of leaves by maintaining their shape and rigidity.
4. In ferns, veins often form a network called reticulate venation.
5. Veins play a crucial role in photosynthesis by distributing water and nutrients to leaf cells.

Review Questions

• What tissues make up the veins in seedless vascular plants?
• How do veins contribute to the structural integrity of leaves in seedless vascular plants?
• What is the role of veins in the process of photosynthesis?

Related terms

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

Phloem: Vascular tissue that transports organic nutrients, particularly sugars, from where they are made to where they are needed.

Reticulate Venation: A pattern of vein arrangement in which veins form a network across the leaf blade.