In plants, <u>vascular tissue</u> is made up of specialized cells that transport water and dissolved nutrients.
Vascular tissue refers to the complex permanent conducting tissue in plants containing more than one type of cell. It is made up of two components namely the xylem and the phloem. These two tissues are actively involved in the transport of water and nutrients within the plant.
Xylem is the water conducting tissue in the plants transporting water and minerals from the roots to the stem and leaves. It is made up of the tracheids, vessels, fibres and parenchyma. Tracheids and vessels are the main conducting elements. Phloem is the food conducting tissue in the plants transporting soluble organic products of the photosynthesis from the leaves to the different parts of the plant. It is made up of the sieve elements, companion cells, parenchyma and sclereids. Sieve elements are involved in the conduction of food and companion cells are involved in its regulation.
Thus, the xylem and phloem bundles of the vascular tissue are involved in the conduction of water and nutrients in the plants.
