Question

Why are xylem and phloem called complex tissues? How are they different from one other?

Answer 1

Both xylem and phloem consist of more than one type of cells, which coordinate to perform a common function. Therefore, they are called complex tissues. Differences between xylem and phloem are:

	Xylem	Phloem
(i)	Xylem consists of tracheids, vessels, xylem, parenchyma and xylem fibers.	Phloem consists of sieve tubes, companion cells, phloem parenchyma and phloem fibres.
(ii)	It transports water and minerals vertically from soil to aerial parts of the plant.	It transports food from leaves to other parts of the plant and from storage parts to other parts
(iii)	Most of the components of xylem except xylem parenchyma are dead cells.	Most of the components of phloem except phloem fibres are living cells.