Question

What are the differences between xylem and phloem?

Answer 1

Xylem
1) They are dead with hollow cells, which consist of only cell wall.
2) They play a vital role in transporting water and dissolved nutrients from the roots to all parts of a plant.
3) They transport the nutrients in the upward direction .i.e. from the root to the stem, leaves and flower.
4) Xylem is also called as water-conducting cells.

Phloem
1) They are live cells, which lack nucleus and other organelles.
2) They transport dissolved organic food materials (sugars) from the leaves to all parts of a plant.
3) They transport the nutrients in the downward direction .i.e. from the leaves to the different parts of the plant.
4) Phloem is also called as sugar-conducting cells.