SSC Selection Post 2025 PYQ — Question 8

Correct Answer

To transport water and minerals obtained from the soil

Explanation

Xylem is a specialized complex vascular tissue found in plants. Its primary function is the unidirectional transport of water and dissolved mineral nutrients upward from the roots to the stems and leaves. This continuous flow, driven by transpirational pull and root pressure, ensures that all parts of the plant receive the hydration and nutrients necessary for growth and photosynthesis. Xylem vessels and tracheids form the structural framework for this transport network, and their lignified cell walls also provide vital mechanical support to the plant.

Key Points

The transport in xylem is passive and strictly unidirectional, moving from the bottom (roots) to the top (aerial parts) of the plant.

In contrast, phloem tissue is responsible for the bidirectional transport of organic food products (sugars/sucrose produced during photosynthesis) from the leaves to all other storage and growing parts.

The options regarding providing energy and synthesizing glucose are related to cellular respiration and photosynthesis, respectively, rather than the primary transport function of vascular tissues.

Important Questions and Answers

Question: Which cells in the xylem tissue are primarily responsible for the conduction of water?

Answer: Vessels and tracheids are the main conducting elements of xylem that form long tubes for water transport.

Question: What is the main difference between xylem and phloem transport?

Answer: Xylem transports water and minerals unidirectionally from roots to leaves, whereas phloem transports synthesized food bidirectionally from leaves to all other parts of the plant.