Xylem Transport
Passive infrastructure for low-value, high-volume goods.
Xylem transports water and minerals from roots to leaves. Direction: Upward only (unidirectional). Mechanism: Transpiration pull (evaporation-driven suction creates negative pressure). Contents: Water (95-99%), dissolved minerals. Structure: Dead cells (hollow tubes with reinforced walls). Cell types: Tracheids (1-5mm, conifers) and vessel elements (10-100mm, flowering plants). Capacity: 100+ gallons/day in large trees, 1,000+ gallons/day in eucalyptus. Pressure: Negative (-15 to -30 atmospheres). Speed: 1-2 meters/hour in conifers, 4-6 meters/hour in deciduous trees. Design principle: Xylem is passive - transpiration + gravity provide free energy.
Business Application of Xylem Transport
Passive infrastructure for low-value, high-volume goods. Like trains pulled by initial momentum, ships using ocean currents, or gravity-assist conveyor belts - cheap because no active energy required.