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Xylem tubes formed from elongated cells. They transport water and minerals absorbed

by the roots to the leaves. Xylem has thick cell walls and therefore provide support and
strength to the plant. Being complex, xylem contains different types of cells, both living

and non living. In higher plants xylem contains tracheids, tracheae or vessels, xylem
fibers and xylem parenchyma.

Phloem is a specialised complex tissue which forms the external part of the

vascular tissue. It composed of tubular inter connected cells. They transports food
synthesized in the leaves to various parts of the plant body. It is composed of
different types of cells namely sieve elements, companion cells, phloem

parenchyma, fibers, stone cells and various kinds of secretory cells.

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