Mature vessel elements:

A) form sieve tubes in the vascular tissue.
B) have pits in their side walls, which allow water to be transported laterally.
C) are alive and contain cytoplasm.
D) are given support by companion cells.
E) occur in pairs, forming stomata in the epidermis.

Mature Vessel Elements

Components of the xylem in plants that form part of a continuous tube through which water can move.

Sieve Tubes

Specialized structures in the phloem of vascular plants that facilitate the transport of sugars and other nutrients.

Companion Cells

Specialized cells in the phloem of plants that manage the functioning and maintenance of the nutrient-conducting sieve-tube elements.