What are the differences between xylem and phloem cells?

Xylem cells transport water and minerals from roots to leaves, while phloem cells transport food from leaves to other parts of the plant.

Xylem and phloem are two types of vascular tissues found in plants, playing crucial roles in their survival and growth. Xylem cells are responsible for the transportation of water and minerals from the roots to the leaves. They are typically dead at maturity and have thick, lignified walls, which make them strong enough to withstand the pressure of water transport. The xylem's structure, with its long, unbroken tubes, allows for the efficient transport of water and nutrients upwards through the plant.

On the other hand, phloem cells are responsible for the transportation of food, in the form of sugars, from the leaves (where photosynthesis occurs) to other parts of the plant, including the roots and developing fruits. Unlike xylem, phloem cells are alive at maturity and have thinner walls. They are arranged end-to-end to form a continuous tube system, but unlike xylem, they have sieve plates at their ends, which allow the movement of sugars and other organic compounds in both upward and downward directions.

In terms of their location within the plant, xylem is usually found towards the interior of the plant's stem, while phloem is located closer to the exterior. This arrangement is known as a vascular bundle and is a key characteristic of dicotyledonous plants.

In summary, while both xylem and phloem are vital for plant survival, they have distinct roles and structures. Xylem, with its dead, thick-walled cells, transports water and minerals from roots to leaves. In contrast, phloem, with its living, thin-walled cells, transports food from leaves to other parts of the plant.