VASCULAR BUNDLE of a HERBACEOUS MONOCOT STEM (Corn, Zea mays) XYLEM, PHLOEM, COMPANION CELLS, BUNDLE SHEATH, 100X - stock photo

VASCULAR BUNDLE of a HERBACEOUS MONOCOT STEM (Corn, Zea mays), XYLEM, PHLOEM, COMPANION CELLS, BUNDLE SHEATH, 100X. The BUNDLE SHEATH encloses the vascular bundle and is composed of SCLERENCHYMA cells that give support. Three large VESSEL ELEMENTS of the XYLEM are shown near the bottom of the vascular bundle. These are hollow dead cells that conduct water and minerals primarily from the roots to the upper parts of the plant. Above the vessel elements is the PHLOEM composed of SIEVE TUBE MEMBERS and COMPANION CELLS (smaller and nucleated). The phloem transports Carbohydrates like Sucrose that are usually made in the leaves by Photosynthesis. They are transported to the stem and roots of the plant. The Companion Cells perform complex functions that assist the sieve tube members in their transport functions.