What is the Difference between Xylem and Phloem
Xylem and phloem are the complex vascular tissues in plants. They perform functions of transportations of water and food in the plant. Together they make vascular bundles and together they work to transport food, water, nutrients and minerals in the plant. Xylem and phloem are located in plant’s stem, leaves and roots. Even though they work together they have differences that differentiate their working and nature.
Xylem
Xylem is formed by tracheary elements (tracheids) and vessels predominantly and there are a variety of other cells that give it the status of a complex tissue. Xylem has two phases; Primary xylem originates from the procambium during primary growth process while secondary xylem originates in vascular cambium during secondary growth process. In xylem vessels, water flows in bulk instead of their diffusion in cells. Its negative pressure facilitates the movement of minerals and nutrients through it. Xylem sap contains water, inorganic ions and organic chemicals. Along with transportation of water, it also replaces the lost water during the process of transpiration and photosynthesis.
Phloem
Phloem originates from meristematic cells in vascular cambium. The primary phloem originates from apical meristem and secondary phloem originates from vascular cambium. The elements of Phloem are sieve tubes, companion cells, bast fibers. In phloem, the organic substance (sugar) diffuses in cells and the movement of the organic substance and water takes place in cell diffusion form. The positive hydraulic pressure in phloem makes the transportation process work. Phloem sap contains water and sugar.
Xylem vs. Phloem
The xylem and phloem both transport minerals, water and other substances in the plant from roots. But xylem differs in phloem in functionality in nature as follows.
Xylem is formed with tracheaey elements like tracheids whereas phloem is formed with sieve tubes, companion cells and bast fiber. Xylem transports water and minerals through water movement in bulk via negative pressure whereas in phloem, the positive hydraulic pressure makes the sugar and water diffuse into cells hence their movement.
Related posts
- What is the Difference between Ice Age Ozone Depletion and Greenhouse Effect
- What is the Difference between Weathering and Erosion
- What is the Difference between Tornado Watch and Warning
- What is the Difference between Unicellular and Multicellular Organisms
- What is the Difference between Mahogany Beech Walnut Ash Pine Oak and Maple
- What is the Difference between Volcano, Tremor, Earthquake and Aftershock
- What is the Difference between Nature and Nurture
- What is the Difference between Hematite Iron Galena Chalcopyrite Pyrite and Gold
- What is the Difference between Organic and Inorganic Compounds
- What is the Difference between Bacteria and Virus