Difference between Xylem and Phloem
No. |
Xylem |
Phloem |
1. | Xylem is mainly made up of dead elements. | Phloem is mainly made up of dead elements. |
2. | Xylem helps to transport water and minerals from roots to leaves. | Phloem helps to transport food from the leaves to all parts of the plant. |
3. | Cell walls of the xylem in plants is thick. | Cell walls of the phloem in plants is thin. |
4. | Cell wall of the xylem is composed of lignin. | Cell wall of the phloem is composed of cellulose. |
5. | Cells of xylem are impermeable to the water. | Cells of phloem are permeable to food. |
6. | Xylem is present in the center of the vascular bundle. | Phloem is present in the outside of the vascular bundle. |
7. | Direction of flow in the xylem is upward. | Direction of flow in the phloem is up and down. |
8. | Xylem can give mechanical strength to the plants and tissue has fibres. | Phloem cannot give mechanical strength and tissue has companion cells. |