Plant organisation

The xylem = tissue which transports water and minerals from the roots up the plant stem and into the leaves.

Xylem consists of dead cells. The cells that make up the xylem are adapted to their function:

• They lose their end walls so the xylem forms a continuous, hollow tube.
• They become strengthened by a substance called lignin. Lignin gives strength and support to the plant. We call lignified cells wood.

Transport in the xylem does not require energy.

The phloem moves food substances that the plant has produced by photosynthesis to where they are…