The xylem and phloem are the primary components of the vascular tissue. The xylem is responsible for transporting water and dissolved minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant. It consists of specialized cells such as tracheids and vessel elements. The phloem, on the other hand, transports organic nutrients, particularly sugars produced during photosynthesis, from the leaves to other parts of the plant. It is composed of sieve tube elements and companion cells.
