[Campbell Biology P.814] What is a key difference between the water-conducting cells of the ... | Practice Question

What is a key difference between the water-conducting cells of the xylem and the sugar-conducting cells of the phloem?

  • A: Xylem cells are alive at functional maturity, while phloem cells are dead.
  • B: Xylem cells are primarily responsible for transporting water, whereas phloem cells transport sugars and other organic nutrients.
  • C: Xylem cells contain sieve plates, while phloem cells contain perforation plates.
  • D: Xylem cells have companion cells to support them, while phloem cells do not.

Explanation

The text clearly states that xylem cells tracheids and vessel elements are water-conducting, while phloem cells sieve cells and sieve-tube elements transport sugars and other organic nutrients. This is the primary functional difference.