Phloem

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Phloem is the living vascular tissue in plants responsible for transporting sugars, amino acids, hormones, and other organic molecules from sites of production (sources) to sites of consumption or storage (sinks). In most plants, the primary sources are mature leaves, where photosynthesis generates sugars, and the primary sinks are growing tissues, roots, fruits, and storage organs. The phloem thus functions as the plant’s distribution network, connecting the organs that capture energy to the organs that consume it.

Xylem

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Xylem is the vascular tissue that conducts water and dissolved minerals from the roots upward through the plant body to the stems and leaves. It is composed of tracheids and vessel elements — elongated cells that, at functional maturity, are dead. Their cell walls remain as rigid, hollow tubes through which water moves by capillary action and transpiration pull. The xylem also provides structural support; wood is largely composed of accumulated secondary xylem.

Vascular-Tissue on emsenn.net

Phloem

Xylem