What is the difference between xylem and phloem?

Xylem and phloem are a little bit like the blood vessels we have in our body and make up what is called 'vascular bundles' in plants. Xylem are essential for providing water to the plant by transpiration from the roots, while phloem transfer sap, which contains sugars and other molecules, between the leaves and roots by a process called translocation. One difference is that xylem only carry water in one direction (from the roots to the leaves), while phloem can carry sap in two directions. Another difference is that xylem are made from tubes of dead cells strengthened with a molecule called lignin. On the other hand, phloem are made from a column of live cells which transfer sap from one cell to another through pores where each cell touches.

MH
Answered by Morgan H. Biology tutor

15277 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain how vaccination makes a person immune to a disease


Which of these is a correctly balanced equation for respiration? C6H12O6 + 3O2 → CO2 + 3H2O C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2+ 6H2O C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 3H2O


Using your knowledge of natural selection and speciation, suggest how new species can evolve from the same common ancestor.


What are the main differences between mitosis and meiosis?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning