# Compare the structures of xylem vessels and phloem vessels in plants.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) — 8.1 Xylem and phloem · Compare · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Xylem cells are dead / have no cell contents, whereas phloem cells are living
2. Xylem vessels have thick, lignified walls, whereas phloem walls are not lignified / are thinner
3. Xylem vessels have no cross walls / form a continuous tube, whereas phloem cells have cross walls / sieve plates between cells
4. Xylem transports water and mineral ions, whereas phloem transports sugars (sucrose) and amino acids

## Key terms

- [xylem](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/xylem)
- [phloem](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/phloem)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/compare-the-structures-of-xylem-vessels-68f19d2c) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.