The cells that transport water and minerals throughout plants are the xylem cells. Key points:
- Xylem vessels and tracheids form the main water-conducting pathways from roots to shoots, moving water and dissolved minerals upward via capillary action and transpiration pull. These cells are typically dead at maturity, which creates hollow conduits for efficient water movement.
- Xylem also provides structural support through lignified walls, helping the plant stand upright.
- The phloem is the complementary tissue that transports sugars and other metabolic products from photosynthetic sources to non-photosynthetic regions, but it is not primarily involved in water and mineral transport.
If you’d like, I can add a brief comparison between xylem and phloem in a side-by-side format.