# Explain how the structures of xylem and phloem are each suited to their transport functions in a plant.

> AQA GCSE Biology (8461) — 4.2.3 Plant tissues, organs and systems · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Xylem transports water (and dissolved minerals) from the roots to the leaves
2. Xylem cells are hollow / have no cell contents, allowing water to flow through without obstruction
3. Phloem transports sugars (food molecules) from source to sink / carries out translocation
4. Phloem is made of living cells / has pores (sieve plates) between cells to allow sugars to move between them

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Biology (8461)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-the-structures-of-xylem-fd57f4bd) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.