The Xylem in plant are responsible for

The correct answer is Transport of water.

Key Points

• Xylem is a specialized tissue in vascular plants responsible for the transport of water and dissolved minerals from the roots to different parts of the plant.
• The movement of water through the xylem occurs due to a process called transpiration pull, which is driven by water evaporation from the stomata in leaves.
• Xylem consists of tracheids and vessel elements, which are the primary water-conducting cells. These cells are dead at maturity, forming hollow tubes for efficient water transport.
• The direction of water movement in xylem is unidirectional (upward from roots to shoots).
• In addition to water transport, xylem also provides mechanical support to the plant due to the presence of lignin in its cell walls.

Additional Information

• Phloem: Another vascular tissue in plants responsible for the transport of food, such as sugars, from sources (like leaves) to sinks (like roots or fruits).
• Transpiration: The process of water evaporation from the aerial parts of plants, primarily through stomata, creating a negative pressure that facilitates the upward movement of water in xylem.
• Lignin: A complex organic polymer found in the cell walls of xylem tissues, providing strength and waterproofing to the plant's vascular system.
• Root Pressure: A phenomenon where osmotic pressure in the roots pushes water upward through the xylem, particularly at night or when transpiration is low.
• Vascular Bundle: A structural unit in plants that contains both xylem and phloem, enabling efficient transport of water, nutrients, and food throughout the plant.