Compare the Structure and Function of the Xylem and Phloem

Plants have two separate transport systems. A network of xylem vessels transports water and mineral ions from the roots to all other parts of the plant. Phloem tubes transport food made in the leaves to all other parts of the plant. Neither of these systems has a pump, this is because they are not as active as animals and do not need such rapid supplies of food. Neither xylem nor phloem transports oxygen as oxygen gets to a plants cell by diffusion. Both stems and roots contain xylem vessels and phloem tubes. In a stem these are grouped into vascular bundles arranged in a ring.…