Water and nutrients/minerals up from the soil are conducted primarily by which tissue?

Water and nutrients/minerals up from the soil are conducted primarily by which tissue?

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

Answer: (B)

Water and minerals from the soil move upward mainly through xylem. Xylem is the plant’s vascular tissue built to transport water and dissolved minerals from roots to every part of the plant. It consists of hollow, dead cells with thick lignified walls (tracheids and vessel elements) that form continuous tubes, allowing a steady upward flow. The movement is driven by transpiration in the leaves, which creates a pull that draws water up the plant; root pressure and capillary action can assist, especially when transpiration is low. Phloem, by contrast, transports organic nutrients like sugars and can move in multiple directions depending on where nutrients are needed. Cortex and pith are ground tissues that store and support rather than transport water.

Water and minerals from the soil move upward mainly through xylem. Xylem is the plant’s vascular tissue built to transport water and dissolved minerals from roots to every part of the plant. It consists of hollow, dead cells with thick lignified walls (tracheids and vessel elements) that form continuous tubes, allowing a steady upward flow. The movement is driven by transpiration in the leaves, which creates a pull that draws water up the plant; root pressure and capillary action can assist, especially when transpiration is low. Phloem, by contrast, transports organic nutrients like sugars and can move in multiple directions depending on where nutrients are needed. Cortex and pith are ground tissues that store and support rather than transport water.