Plants are classified based on many criteria and one such classification is the presence or absence of a vascular system. Essentially, a vascular plant has specialized features that help it to absorb water and minerals from the soil. These include special tissues such as xylem and phloem. Show
Xylem and Phloem are two different types of vascular tissues, which are mainly involved in the transportation process. These tissues form a vascular bundle and these work together as a unit. The movement of xylem is unidirectional, while the movement of phloem is bidirectional. Let us explore the major differences between xylem and phloem in detail. Also Read: Transportation in Plants Differences Between Xylem and PhloemDifference between Xylem and Phloem Following are the important differences between xylem and phloem:
Xylem TissuesXylem is one of the important tissues of the vascular system of plants. The main activity of this tissue is to transport minerals and water from roots and carry them to other parts of the plants. It has two separate chambers, tracheids and vessels for transporting minerals and water. The term xylem is derived from the Greek word – ξύλον (xylon), meaning wood. Phloem TissuesPhloem is also important as the xylem tissues for the vascular system of plants. The main activity of this tissue is to transport nutrients and food from leaves to other growing parts of plants. The term phloem is derived from the Greek word – φλοιός (phloios), meaning bark. Also Read: Transpiration Pull For more information on xylem and phloem and the differences between them, keep visiting BYJU’S website or download the BYJU’S app, for further reference. Frequently Asked QuestionsThe xylem is located towards the adaxial surface of the leaf, whereas, phloem is located towards the abaxial surface of the leaf. Xylem and phloem facilitate the transportation of water, minerals and food throughout the plant. Xylem carries water and minerals from the roots to the leaves. Whereas, phloem carries the food prepared by the leaves to different parts of the plant. Xylem cells are made up of a long chain of dead cells known as vessel elements. The vessel elements have no organelles. The components of xylem tissues are highly lignified and scalarified. Hence, xylem cells are considered dead. Why are the phloem cells alive?The cells that make up the phloem tissues need to be alive to facilitate the active transport of sucrose throughout the plant. What are the difference between transport material in xylem and phloem?Xylem and phloem facilitate the transportation of water, minerals and food throughout the plant. Xylem carries water and minerals from the roots to the leaves. Whereas, phloem carries the food prepared by the leaves to different parts of the plant.
What are the differences between the transport of materials in xylem and phloem compare the functioning of alveoli in the lungs and nephrons in the kidneys with?Transport in xylem requires physical forces such as transpiration pull. Transport of food in phloem requires energy in the form of ATP. 13ans-(i) Alveoli are tiny balloon-like structures present inside the lungs. (i) Nephrons are tubular structures present inside the kidneys.
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