Which tissue transports water to different parts of the plant?

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

Answer: (B)

Water moves through the plant mainly via xylem vessels. These are long, hollow, dead cells with thick lignified walls that form continuous tubes from the roots up into the stems and leaves. Water and dissolved minerals are pulled upward by transpiration in the leaves, with cohesion between water molecules and adhesion to the xylem walls helping to sustain the column as it rises. This system is optimized for upward transport of water, driven by water potential differences, and operates largely passively.

Phloem, in contrast, transports sugars and other organic nutrients and can move in multiple directions, not primarily for water transport. Cambium is the growth layer that generates new xylem and phloem, while cortex is outer ground tissue involved in storage and other functions, not the main water-conducting pathway.