Role of the Xylem & Phloem (Edexcel IGCSE Biology): Revision Note

Xylem & Phloem

• The xylem and phloem make up the transport system of vascular plants

• The role of the xylem is to transport water and mineral ions from the roots to other parts of the plant

  • The xylem is formed from a hollow tube of dead cells, reinforced by lignin, which provides a route for the column of water to move through the plant by transpiration.

• The role of the phloem is to transport sucrose and amino acids from where they are produced or stored, to where they are needed

  • E.g. sucrose and amino acids are produced in the leaves while plants photosynthesise, so they are transported from the leaves to other parts of the plant

  • The phloem is formed from living cells forming a tube with small holes through which substances can move.