Xylem in the plants are responsible for the transport of:

The correct answer is  Water and dissolved minerals.

Key PointsXylem in Plants

• The xylem is a type of vascular tissue in plants that is primarily responsible for the transport of water and dissolved minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant.
• Water uptake begins at the roots, where it is absorbed from the soil and then transported upward through the xylem vessels.
• In addition to water, the xylem also transports essential minerals that are dissolved in the water, such as nitrates, phosphates, and potassium, which are crucial for plant growth and development.
• The xylem consists of several types of cells, including tracheids and vessel elements, which are specialized for water conduction.
• Unlike phloem, which transports food (sugars) produced in the leaves to other parts of the plant, the xylem's primary function is to move water and minerals.
• The transport through the xylem is largely driven by transpiration, a process where water evaporates from the leaves, creating a negative pressure that pulls water upward from the roots.

Additional Information

• Transpiration: This is the process by which water evaporates from the surface of leaves and stems. It plays a critical role in water transport within the plant and helps in the cooling of plant tissues.
• Tracheids and Vessel Elements: These are the main conducting cells in the xylem. Tracheids are long, thin cells that overlap each other, while vessel elements are shorter and wider, forming continuous tubes for efficient water transport.
• Mineral Transport: Minerals dissolved in water are taken up by root hairs from the soil. These minerals include nitrates, phosphates, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which are essential for various plant functions like photosynthesis, growth, and development.
• Phloem vs. Xylem: While xylem transports water and minerals, phloem is responsible for the transport of organic nutrients, particularly the products of photosynthesis such as sugars, from the leaves to other parts of the plant.
• Vascular Bundles: In many plants, xylem and phloem are organized into vascular bundles, which are essential for the efficient transport of substances throughout the plant.
• Root Pressure: This is another mechanism that aids in water transport, especially when transpiration rates are low. Root pressure occurs due to the active uptake of ions in the roots, leading to osmotic water movement into the root xylem.