On this cross section from a woody eudicot, label a growth ring, late wood, early wood, and a vessel element. Then draw an arrow in the pith-to-cork direction.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the cross section of the woody eudicot. Look for the concentric circles that represent the growth rings.
2. Label a growth ring. Growth rings are formed annually and consist of a layer of early wood and late wood. They appear as distinct circles in the cross section.
3. Label the early wood. Early wood is formed at the beginning of the growing season and is characterized by larger cells and lighter color due to rapid growth.
4. Label the late wood. Late wood forms later in the growing season and has smaller, denser cells, giving it a darker appearance.
5. Locate and label a vessel element. Vessel elements are large, tube-like structures that facilitate water transport. They are typically found within the xylem tissue of the growth ring.

Key Concepts

Growth Rings

Growth rings, also known as annual rings, are concentric circles found in the cross-section of a woody stem. They represent a year of growth, with each ring consisting of early wood and late wood. Early wood forms in the spring and is lighter and less dense, while late wood forms in the summer and is darker and denser, indicating the tree's growth cycle.

Early Wood and Late Wood

Early wood is produced at the beginning of the growing season and is characterized by larger, less dense cells, allowing for rapid growth and efficient water transport. Late wood forms later in the season, with smaller, denser cells that provide structural support. The transition between early and late wood within a growth ring reflects seasonal changes in growth conditions.

Vessel Elements

Vessel elements are specialized cells in the xylem of woody plants that facilitate water transport. They are typically elongated and form continuous tubes, allowing efficient movement of water and nutrients from roots to leaves. In eudicots, vessel elements are a key component of the vascular system, contributing to the plant's ability to thrive in various environments.