Tracheids:
a. These are elongated, tubular and dead cells (without protoplasm).
b. The ends are oblique and tapering.
c. The cell walls is unevenly thickened and lignified. This provides mechanical strength.
d. Tracheids contribute 95% of wood in gymnosperms and 5% in angiosperms.
e. The different types of thickening patterns are seen on their walls such as annular (in the form of rings), spiral (in the form of spring/helix), scalariform (ladder like) and pitted (small circular area). Pitted is the most advanced type of thickening which may be simple or bordered.
