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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Xylem and Phloem?

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Xylem and phloem are two different types of vascular tissues in plants that serve distinct functions in the transportation of water, minerals, and nutrients. The main differences between xylem and phloem are:

  1. Function: Xylem is responsible for transporting water and dissolved minerals upward from the roots to the leaves, while phloem carries food, such as sucrose and amino acids, downward from the leaves to the roots.
  2. Structure: Xylem cells, also known as vessel elements, are dead cells that form long, end-to-end tubes. In contrast, phloem cells are living and have perforated end walls.
  3. Directionality: The movement of xylem is unidirectional, transporting water and minerals from the roots to the leaves. On the other hand, the movement of phloem is bidirectional, carrying food throughout the plant in both upward and downward directions.
  4. Location: Xylem is located towards the adaxial surface of the leaf, while phloem is located towards the abaxial surface of the leaf.
  5. Cell Types: There are various cell types in the xylem, including vessel elements and tracheids, which are responsible for the transport of water and minerals. Phloem, on the other hand, consists of cells such as sieve tubes, companion cells, and phloem parenchyma cells.
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  • What is the Difference Between Xylem and Phloem?
  • Comparative Table: Xylem vs Phloem

    • Comparative Table: Xylem vs Phloem

    Here is a table summarizing the differences between xylem and phloem:

    Feature Xylem Phloem
    Definition Xylem tissues are tubular-shaped, without cross walls, and resemble a star shape. Phloem tissues are tubular-shaped and elongated, with thin sieve tubes surrounding them.
    Location Xylem is located at the center of the vascular bundle. Phloem is located on the outer side of the vascular bundle.
    Fibers Xylem fibers are smaller. Phloem fibers are larger.
    Found In Xylem is present in roots, stems, and leaves. Phloem is present in stems, leaves, and later transports and grows in roots, fruits, and seeds.
    Movement Xylem tissues move in a unidirectional manner, from root to shoot. Phloem tissues move in both upward and downward directions.
    Transport Xylem transports water and soluble minerals from roots to other parts of the plant. Phloem transports substances produced by photosynthesis, like amino acids and sugars, throughout the plant.
    Cell Type Xylem consists of tracheids, vessel elements, xylem parenchyma, xylem sclerenchyma, and xylem fibers. Phloem consists of companion cells, sieve tubes, bast fibres, phloem fibres, intermediary cells, and the phloem parenchyma.
    Protoplast Xylem contains protoplast due to its connection to plant cell walls. Phloem contains no protoplast.
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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.