Where are xylem and phloem located in a plant?

Xylem and phloem are located in the vascular tissue of a plant, primarily in the roots, stems, and leaves.

Xylem and phloem are integral components of the vascular system of plants, which is responsible for the transportation of water, nutrients, and other substances throughout the plant body. They are primarily found in the roots, stems, and leaves of the plant, forming a continuous network from the root tips to the leaf tips.

Xylem is responsible for the upward transportation of water and dissolved minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant. It is typically located towards the interior of the plant's vascular tissue. The xylem tissue is made up of several types of cells, including tracheids and vessel elements, which form long, hollow tubes for the transport of water. The walls of these cells are thickened with lignin, a complex organic polymer, which provides structural support to the plant.

Phloem, on the other hand, is responsible for the transport of sugars, amino acids, and other organic compounds, which are products of photosynthesis. This transport occurs in both upward and downward directions, from the leaves where photosynthesis occurs to other parts of the plant. Phloem is typically located towards the exterior of the vascular tissue. The phloem tissue is composed of sieve-tube elements and companion cells. The sieve-tube elements form a continuous tube system for the transport of nutrients, while the companion cells assist in the loading and unloading of these nutrients.

In the roots, the xylem and phloem are organised in the centre to withstand the forces of gravity and provide support. In the stems, they are organised in bundles around the periphery to resist bending forces. In the leaves, they form a network of veins, which distribute water and nutrients to the cells and carry away the products of photosynthesis.