Which of the following is not a feature of tracheids

Options

A. A single tracheid is a highly elongated or tube-like cell with hard, thick and lignified walls
B. They serve as a more efficient mode of transport of water and minerals as compared to vesssels
C. They are devoid of protoplast and hence dead.
D. The ends of the tracheids are tapering, blunt or chisel-like

Explanation

To determine which of the following is not a feature of tracheids, we need to analyze the characteristics of tracheids and compare them with the options provided. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the solution:

### Step 1: Understand what tracheids are
Tracheids are a type of water-conducting cell found in the xylem of vascular plants. They are elongated cells that facilitate the transport of water and dissolved minerals.

**Hint:** Remember that tracheids are primarily involved in water conduction in plants.

### Step 2: Identify the features of tracheids
1. **Shape and Structure**: Tracheids are long, tube-like structures with thick, lignified walls.
2. **Function**: They conduct water and provide structural support to the plant.
3. **Lack of Perforations**: Unlike vessels, tracheids do not have perforations in their cell walls.
4. **Dead Cells**: Tracheids are devoid of protoplasts and are considered dead at maturity.

**Hint:** Focus on the structural and functional characteristics of tracheids.

### Step 3: Compare with the options provided
Now, we need to compare the features of tracheids with the options given in the question.

- **Option A**: Tracheids are elongated cells with thick lignified walls. (True feature)
- **Option B**: Tracheids are more efficient than vessels in water transport. (Not true; vessels are more efficient)
- **Option C**: Tracheids lack perforations in their cell walls. (True feature)
- **Option D**: Tracheids are devoid of protoplasts and hence are dead. (True feature)

**Hint:** Identify which option contradicts the known features of tracheids.

### Step 4: Conclusion
From the analysis, the statement that "tracheids are more efficient than vessels in water transport" is not a feature of tracheids. Therefore, this is the correct answer to the question.

**Final Answer:** The option that is not a feature of tracheids is that they are more efficient than vessels in water transport.