Xylem
Definition
Xylem is the vascular tissue in plants that conducts water and dissolved minerals from roots to stems and leaves. It consists of tracheids, vessel elements, xylem fibers, and xylem parenchyma. The movement of water through xylem is driven by transpiration pull and root pressure.
Key Points for NEET
- 1Conducts water and minerals upward (unidirectional)
- 2Dead at maturity (except xylem parenchyma)
- 3Tracheids and vessels are conducting elements
- 4Water movement by transpiration pull (cohesion-tension)
- 5Also provides mechanical support
Example
Water rising 100+ meters in tall trees through xylem via transpiration pull
Asked in NEET
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Phloem
Phloem is the vascular tissue that transports organic nutrients (mainly sucrose) from leaves to other parts of the plant. It consists of sieve tubes, companion cells, phloem fibers, and phloem parenchyma. Unlike xylem, phloem can transport in both directions (bidirectional).