Difference Between Protoxylem and Metaxylem
Some of the differences between protoxylem and metaxylem are given below:
Features |
Protoxylem |
Metaxylem |
---|---|---|
Definition |
Primary xylem that develops during primary growth. |
Secondary form of xylem that develop during later stages of plant growth. |
Cell Diameter/ Lumen |
Small |
Large |
Size of Cells |
Smaller size, hence protoxylem less prominent |
Larger in size making metaxylem more prominent |
Cell Wall Thickness |
Thin |
Thick |
Growth |
Grows and matures before other plant organs. |
Grows and matures after other plant organs. |
Location |
Located towards the center of the vascular bundle; on the periphery of stem and inside of root |
Forms towards the periphery of the vascular bundle; on the inside of the stem and periphery of the roots. |
Visibility |
Less prominent among other plant cell structures. |
More prominent among other plant cell structures. |
Lignin |
Absent |
Present |
Vascular Bundle |
Located towards the centre of primary growth. |
Forms towards the periphery in primary growth. |
Xylem Parenchyma |
Present in huge numbers. |
Present in less numbers. |
Efficiency |
Less efficient in water transport |
More efficient in water transport |
Difference between Protoxylem and Metaxylem
The difference between protoxylem and metaxylem lies in their developmental stages within the plant’s vascular system. Protoxylem and metaxylem are types of plant tissues that help in transport as well as growth in plants. The protoxylem is the primary xylem that develops during the early stages of a plant’s development whereas the metaxylem is later formed xylem in mature plants.
Both of these forms are of xylem tissue that is mainly responsible for the conduction of water and minerals in the plant. In this article, we will differentiate between protoxylem and metaxylem and also discuss some similarities as well.
Table of Content
- What is Protoxylem?
- Features of Protoxylem
- What is Metaxylem?
- Features of Metaxylem
- Difference Between Protoxylem and Metaxylem
- Similarities Between Protoxylem and Metaxylem
- Conclusion – Difference Between Protoxylem and Metaxylem
- Difference Between Related Links
- FAQs – Difference Between Protoxylem and Metaxylem