Xylem is the complex tissue of plants, responsible for transporting water and other nutrients to the plants. Phloem is living tissue, responsible for transporting food and other organic materials. ... Phloem transports food materials that are prepared by the green parts of the plants to other parts of the plant.

What does phloem have that xylem does not?

Xylem is formed by tracheary elements like tracheids and vessels predominantly. There are a variety of other cells giving it the status of complex tissue. ... Phloem has sieve tubes, companion cells, bast fibers as its elements.

What is the difference between xylem and phloem transport in plants?

Xylem is a conducting tissue that is responsible for the transport of water while phloem is a conducting tissue that is responsible for the transport of food in plants. Xylem transports soluble minerals and water molecules. Phloem transports food and other nutrients like sugar and amino acids.