(a) Differentiate between xylem and phloem.
(b) State two similarities between xylem and phloem.
a) Differences between xylem and phloem
| Xylem | Phloem |
|---|---|
| 1. It conducts water and minerals from roots to leaves. | 1. It conducts food from leaves to all parts of the plant. |
| 2. It is composed of mainly dead elements. | 2. It is composed of mainly living elements. |
| 3. Transport is unidirectional. | 3. Transport is bidirectional. |
| 4. It has four types of cells: Tracheids, Vessels, Xylem parenchyma and Xylem fibres. | 4. It has four types of cells: Phloem fibres, Sieve tubes, Companion cells and Phloem parenchyma. |
(b) Similarities between xylem and phloem
- Both are conducting tissues in plants
- Both are complex tissues in plants