Which plant tissue transports water and minerals from roots to the rest of the plant?

• A. Xylem
• B. Phloem
• C. Cortex
• D. Cambium

Answer: (A)

Water transport from roots to every part of the plant happens mainly through xylem. Xylem vessels and tracheids form long, hollow tubes that run from the roots up into stems and leaves, carrying water and dissolved minerals absorbed by the roots. This movement is driven by transpiration: water evaporates from the leaves, creating a pull that draws more water upward. The cohesive forces between water molecules and their adhesion to the xylem walls help keep this column intact as it’s pulled up against gravity. The tissue is made of dead, lignified cells that create strong, hollow conduits for transport.

The other tissues don’t fit this role: phloem carries sugars and other organic substances from photosynthetic areas to other parts of the plant, not water and minerals from the roots; cortex is the outer ground tissue involved in storage and support; cambium is a growth tissue that forms new xylem and phloem during secondary growth.