This diagram covers Comparing Xylem and Phloem within Plant Transport Systems for GCSE Biology. Xylem and phloem structure, water and sugar transport, root hair adaptations, translocation, and practical investigations It is section 6 of 17 in this topic. Focus on the labels, the relationships between parts, and the explanation that turns the diagram into an exam-ready answer.
Topic position
Section 6 of 17
Practice
19 questions
Recall
24 flashcards
Comparing Xylem and Phloem
Xylem and phloem are the two transport tissues in plants, but they do very different jobs. Xylem carries water and dissolved mineral ions in one direction only — upwards from the roots to the leaves — pulled by transpiration and needing no energy. Phloem moves dissolved sugars made in the leaves to growing tips, fruits and storage organs in both directions, a process called translocation that uses energy from respiration. The table and diagram below compare their structure, contents, direction and energy use side by side for GCSE Biology.