- The xylem is responsible for transporting water and minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant, including the leaves.
- It consists of elongated, hollow cells with thick, lignified cell walls to provide support and maintain their structure.
- The primary mechanism behind xylem transport is transpiration, a passive process driven by the evaporation of water from tiny openings in the leaves called stomata.
- As water evaporates from the leaves, it creates a negative pressure (tension) within the xylem, pulling up more water from the roots.
- This upward flow of water is referred to as the transpiration stream and can occur against gravity.