In vascular plants, xylem tissue mainly helps in the transportation of which substance from roots to aerial parts?

Introduction / Context:

Transport of substances in plants occurs through specialised vascular tissues known as xylem and phloem. Understanding which tissue carries which material is essential for solving many plant physiology questions. Xylem and phloem have distinct roles and directions of transport. This question specifically asks about xylem and what it mainly transports from the roots to the upper parts of the plant.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The focus is on xylem tissue in vascular plants.
• We are asked what xylem helps to transport.
• Options mention food, water, mineral salts, combinations of both, and plant hormones.
• We assume standard textbook descriptions of xylem and phloem function.

Concept / Approach:

Xylem is the vascular tissue responsible for the conduction of water and dissolved mineral salts from roots to stems and leaves. It mostly works in an upward direction driven by root pressure, transpiration pull, and cohesion of water molecules. Phloem, on the other hand, transports food, mainly in the form of sucrose, from leaves to other parts of the plant, usually in both directions. While xylem can indirectly help in supporting other transport processes, its primary role is water conduction, making the option that mentions water movement from roots to aerial parts the correct one.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Step 1: Recall that xylem and phloem are the two main vascular tissues in higher plants. Step 2: Identify that xylem is associated with water and mineral transport, while phloem is associated with food transport. Step 3: Focus on the question that asks specifically about xylem. Step 4: From the options, find the one that states transport of water from roots to upper parts. Step 5: Select “Water from roots to aerial parts” as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:

Transpiration and ascent of sap are described in plant physiology chapters as processes taking place through xylem. Illustrations show xylem vessels running from roots up through the stem to leaves, carrying water and minerals. Phloem is always shown carrying food from leaves, where it is produced, to storage organs and growing regions. These consistent diagrams and explanations confirm that xylem is responsible for upward movement of water and mineral nutrients, not for the main transport of food.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Option A, Food (sugars) from leaves to roots, describes the main function of phloem, not xylem. Option C, Mineral salts only to flowers, is too narrow and incorrect, because minerals are carried along with water to all aerial parts, not just flowers. Option D, Both food and water in any direction, misrepresents the division of labour between xylem and phloem and the typical direction of xylem flow. Option E, Plant hormones from root to shoot, does not describe the primary role of xylem; hormones move through both xylem sap and phloem sap but are not the main cargo in basic textbooks.

Common Pitfalls:

Students sometimes memorise that “xylem up, phloem down” and over simplify direction, forgetting that phloem can transport food in multiple directions. Others get confused when both water and minerals are mentioned, thinking they must choose an option that emphasises minerals or both food and water. A clear mental image is that xylem is like a water pipeline from roots to leaves, while phloem is a food delivery network from leaves to the rest of the plant, and this distinction should guide the choice.

Final Answer:

Xylem mainly helps in the transportation of Water from roots to aerial parts.