What does sapwood contain?

Sapwood is the younger, outer portion of a tree's xylem and plays a crucial role in the transport of water and nutrients from the roots to the leaves. It primarily consists of living cells, specifically parenchyma cells, which are responsible for the storage of nutrients and some degree of transportation. However, it also contains a significant number of older, dead cells that contribute to the structural integrity of the wood and facilitate the movement of water.

The presence of both living and dead cells in sapwood is essential for the tree's overall health and function, as the living cells can help in maintaining the tree's metabolism while the dead cells provide support. Thus, the response indicating that sapwood contains both living and dead cells accurately reflects the composition and functionality of this part of the tree.