Difference Between Xylem And Phloem

Xylem and phloem are complementary vascular tissues in plants, with xylem primarily involved in water transport and structural support, while phloem specializes in transporting nutrients, especially sugars, to various parts of the plant. These two systems work together to ensure the overall health and growth of the plant.

Difference between Xylem and Phloem

The differences Between Xylem and Phloem are as follows:

Characteristics	Xylem	Phloem
Transport Material	It simply transports water and minerals from the roots to all other parts of the plant.	It transports the substances produced by photosynthesis, like amino acids and sugars.
Type of transportation	Passive transportation of water and mineral.	Active transport of sugar and other minerals.
Direction of flow	Xylem tissues are unidirectional, from root to shoot.	Phloem tissues are bidirectional, that is they move both upwards as well as downwards.
Types of Cell	The cells present in Xylem are dead cells at maturity.	The cells present in Phloem are living cells, mainly sieve tube cells.
Formed of	Fibre, tracheids and xylem vessels.	Phloem fibres, sieve tube ,sieve cell, parenchymal cell and companion cells.
Protoplast	It contains protoplast because it is connected to plant cell walls as well.	Since it has nothing to do with the plant cell walls, it does not have protoplasts.
Cell wall	Cell wall is thick and is made up of lignin.	Cell wall is thin and is made up of cellulose.
Function	The main responsibility of the xylem is to take care of water movement and provide structural support to the plant.	The main responsibility of phloem is to take care of food transportation and distribution.
Location	They are located in the centre of the stem.	They are located on the outer side of the plant stem.
Cell Size	Xylem fibres are small, and the amount of total tissue is more.	Phloem fibres are large, and the amount of total tissue is less.
Permeability	Impermeable	Permeable
Found in	They are mostly present in the roots and stems along with leaves.	They are mostly present in stems and leaves and not as much in roots.

What is Xylem?

Xylem is a plant vascular tissue that transports water, along with the minerals dissolved in it from the roots to all other parts of the plant. The word xylem is derived from the Greek word ‘xylon’ meaning ‘wood’. It is of two types depending upon the growth, primary and secondary xylem. Primary xylem is formed from procambium during primary growth and secondary xylem is formed from vascular cambium during secondary growth. Both performs the same function of conducting water and minerals in plant.

Characteristics of Xylem

The characteristics of xylem are as follows:

1. Xylem has special water-conducting cells called tracheary elements or tracheid cells. These cells are long in shape and are tapered at the ends, thus forming long tube-like structures that allow the movement of water through them quickly. 
2. Another important cell that Xylem has is called Parenchyma. These cells are responsible for the storage and metabolism-related activities of the xylem. 
3.  Xylem consists of specialized cells like tracheids and vessel elements, which have lignified cell walls to provide strength and facilitate water transport.
4. Since water is absorbed from the roots and then taken upwards to all parts, xylem tissues are unidirectional, that is, they move only in the upward direction. 
5. Xylem is typically located deeper within the plant, closer to the center of the stem or root, and its primary function is to ensure the upward flow of water and nutrients against gravity.

Functions of Xylem

The functions of xylem are as follows:

1. Apart from water and minerals, xylem tissues also transport the hormones that help in the growth and development of the plant. 
2. Xylem tissue helps in keeping the water balance of the plant by choosing when to prevent the plant from drying or waterlogging. 
3. Xylem helps the plant to take the weight of leaves and branches and provides structural support to the plant with the help of its inherent structure as well as by maintaining the water pressure. 
4. Since Xylem deals with water, it also helps in regulating the processes like evaporation and transpiration and thus, maintains the temperature of the plant. 

What is Phloem?

Phloem is a plant vascular tissue that transports food made in the leaves to all other parts of the plant. The word phloem is derived from Greek word ‘phloios’ meaning ‘bark’. It is of two types, primary and secondary phloem. Primary phloem is derived from procambium and is formed during primary growth of vascular plant. Secondary phloem is derived from the vascular cambium during the secondary growth of the plant. In the roots and stems, secondary phloem develops inside the primary phloem. Here are the key things you need to know about phloem.

Characteristics of Phloem

The characteristics of phloem are as follows:

1. Phloem is composed of three main types of cells, namely, sieve element, parenchyma cells and phloem fibres. Companion cells are also a part of this. 
2. The sieve element is the primary part of the phloem that does the task of transporting organic matter throughout the plant. This happens with the help of sieve tubes, which are nothing, but sieve elements themselves, connected end to end. 
3. It is typically located closer to the outer regions of the stem or root.

Functions of Phloem

The functions of phloem are as follows :

1. It transports organic matter and sugars from the source of production, that is leaves, to all other parts of the plant. 
2. Phloem is also responsible for carrying out the phenomenon called pressure gradient which ultimately helps in the process of transportation. 
3. The distribution of hormones is also done by phloem. 

FAQs on Xylem and Phloem

1. What is the difference between xylem and phloem?

Answer:

Xylem transfer water and minerals from roots to the plant whereas, phloem transport food for storage to various parts of the plant.

2. What is common between xylem and phloem?

Answer:

Both are vascular tissues in plants responsible for the transportation of substances. They both contain vascular bundles which are conductive tissues.

3. What are the different cells present in xylem and phloem?

Answer:

Xylem consists of tracheids, vessel elements, fibers, and parenchyma cells, all of which contribute to its water-conducting function. Phloem includes sieve tube elements, companion cells, fibers, and parenchyma cells.

4. Where are xylem and phloem located within a plant?

Answer:

Xylem is usually found deeper within the stem or root, closer to the center. Phloem is typically located nearer to the outer regions of the stem or root.

5. Are the cells in xylem and phloem living or non-living?

Answer:

Cells in xylem, such as tracheids and vessel elements, are non-living at maturity, while cells in phloem, like sieve tube elements and companion cells, are living and actively involved in nutrient transport.