EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -The xylem and phloem are two conducting tissues present in plants. Xylem conducts minerals and water only in the upward direction i.e. from the roots towards the stem. The phloem transports food material from leaves to other parts of the plant body. It can conduct food in both directions.

Detailed explanation-2: -There are two main reasons due to which the xylem is unidirectional, namely positive root pressure and transpiration pull. Positive root pressure means it is against the gravitational pull, and the transpiration pull acts as a suction pump for the xylem tube. Thus, the water rises upwards.

Detailed explanation-3: -Xylem is unidirectional, whereas, phloem is bidirectional.

Detailed explanation-4: -Xylem is one of the two types of transport tissue in vascular plants, the other being phloem. The basic function of xylem is to transport water from roots to stems and leaves, but it also transports nutrients.