Grow Career Publication
Transport of substance in plants
Plants have two transport systems – xylem and phloem. Xylem transports water and minerals. Phloem transports sugars and amino acids dissolved in water. The xylem transports water and minerals from the roots up the plant stem and into the leaves. In a mature flowering plant or tree, most of the cells that make up the xylem are specialised cells called vessels. Vessels: lose their end walls so the xylem forms a continuous, hollow tube. This allows water to flow easily.
Become strengthened by a chemical called lignin. The cells are no longer alive. Lignin gives strength and support to the vessel.
