Xylem vs. Phloem — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 16, 2024
Xylem transports water and nutrients from the roots to other parts of the plant, while phloem distributes sugars and other metabolic products downward from the leaves.
Difference Between Xylem and Phloem
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Xylem is responsible for transporting water and dissolved minerals absorbed from the soil, upwards from the roots to the leaves. Whereas phloem carries soluble organic compounds made during photosynthesis, primarily sugars, from the leaves to the rest of the plant.
The structure of xylem is typically composed of dead cells that form tubes, which helps in supporting the plant structurally. On the other hand, phloem is made up of living cells that are arranged to form tubes, allowing for the transport of nutrients to growing parts of the plant and storage organs.
Xylem functions mainly in the transport of water and nutrients necessary for photosynthesis and growth, contributing to the mechanical strength of the plant. Whereas phloem's primary role is in the distribution of food produced by photosynthetic parts to non-photosynthetic parts of the plant.
In terms of growth, xylem is located more centrally within the plant, forming the bulk of the woody stem in trees. Phloem, however, is located on the outer edge of the stem, enabling easier transport of food to the entire plant.
The activity of xylem is predominantly passive, relying on transpirational pull and root pressure, while phloem transport is an active process, requiring energy in the form of ATP to distribute nutrients according to the plant’s needs.
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Comparison Chart
Function
Transports water and minerals from roots to leaves.
Transports sugars and nutrients from leaves to other parts.
Cell Type
Mostly dead at maturity (e.g., tracheids, vessel elements).
Living cells (e.g., sieve tube elements, companion cells).
Direction of Transport
Upward, from roots to aerial parts of the plant.
Bidirectional, primarily downward from the leaves.
Material Transported
Water and mineral nutrients.
Organic nutrients, mainly sugars.
Structural Role
Provides mechanical support and rigidity.
Lacks significant structural role.
Compare with Definitions
Xylem
Tissue that transports water and nutrients in plants.
The xylem in trees forms growth rings.
Phloem
Supports growth and storage in plants.
Phloem feeds sugars to fruits as they develop.
Xylem
Composed of dead cells that form tubes.
The xylem vessels are visible in cut tree trunks.
Phloem
Essential for both growth and healing in plants.
Phloem transports nutrients to damaged areas for repair.
Xylem
Essential for plant hydration and nutrient distribution.
The xylem helps transport water to leaves for photosynthesis.
Phloem
Located closer to the surface of plant stems.
Phloem layers are just beneath the bark in trees.
Xylem
Contributes to plant structure.
Xylem cells provide structural support to plants.
Phloem
Tissue that carries sugars and organic nutrients.
Phloem distributes the glucose made during photosynthesis.
Xylem
Found throughout the plant, primarily in stems and roots.
Xylem is central in the stem’s cross-section.
Phloem
Consists of living cells, facilitating active transport.
Phloem cells are crucial for transporting food to growing parts.
Xylem
Xylem is one of the two types of transport tissue in vascular plants, the other being phloem. The basic function of xylem is to transport water from roots to stems and leaves, but it also transports nutrients.
Phloem
Phloem (, FLOH-əm) is the living tissue in vascular plants that transports the soluble organic compounds made during photosynthesis and known as photosynthates, in particular the sugar sucrose, to parts of the plant where needed. This transport process is called translocation.
Xylem
The tissue of vascular plants that conducts water and minerals, provides support, and consists of tracheary elements and parenchyma cells. Woody tissue is made of secondary xylem produced by the vascular cambium.
Phloem
The tissue of vascular plants that conducts food produced by photosynthesis to all parts of the plant and consists of sieve elements, fibers, and parenchyma.
Xylem
(botany) A vascular tissue in land plants primarily responsible for the distribution of water and minerals taken up by the roots; also the primary component of wood.
Phloem
(botany) A vascular tissue in land plants primarily responsible for the distribution of sugars and nutrients manufactured in the shoot.
Xylem
That portion of a fibrovascular bundle which has developed, or will develop, into wood cells; - distinguished from phloëm.
Phloem
That portion of fibrovascular bundles which corresponds to the inner bark; the liber tissue; - distinguished from xylem.
Xylem
The woody part of plants: the supporting and water-conducting tissue, consisting primarily of tracheids and vessels
Phloem
(botany) tissue that conducts synthesized food substances (e.g., from leaves) to parts where needed; consists primarily of sieve tubes
Common Curiosities
How are xylem and phloem different in terms of cell type?
Xylem is made up of mostly dead cells, which helps in the transport of water, while phloem consists of living cells needed for active nutrient transport.
What is the main function of xylem?
The main function of xylem is to transport water and minerals from the roots to the leaves and other parts of the plant.
Can xylem and phloem be found in all plants?
Yes, both xylem and phloem are found in all vascular plants, which include all higher plants except mosses and liverworts.
What does phloem transport?
Phloem transports soluble organic substances, mainly sugars, throughout the plant.
How does the direction of transport differ between xylem and phloem?
Xylem transports substances upwards from the roots, while phloem can transport nutrients in both upward and downward directions, depending on the plant’s needs.
What role does xylem play besides transportation?
Besides transportation, xylem also plays a critical role in providing structural support to the plant due to its rigid nature.
What happens if the phloem is damaged?
Damage to phloem can interrupt the distribution of nutrients, potentially leading to stunted growth or death of parts of the plant.
Is phloem activity energy-dependent?
Yes, phloem transport is an active process that requires energy, usually in the form of ATP, to move organic nutrients against a concentration gradient.
Why is the location of phloem important in plants?
The location of phloem near the outer edge of plant stems facilitates the efficient distribution of nutrients to all parts of the plant, including growth and storage areas.
What are some examples of nutrients transported by phloem?
Phloem primarily transports sugars like glucose and fructose, but it can also carry proteins, amino acids, and hormones throughout the plant.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
