Plants, like animals, need a transport system to move substances around. This is done by two specialized tissues called xylem and phloem. Together, they form the vascular bundles that run through the roots, stem, and leaves of a plant.

Let's start with phloem. The function of phloem is to transport sugars, mainly in the form of sucrose, and amino acids. These are made in the leaves during photosynthesis and are then moved to other parts of the plant where they are needed for growth or storage.

Now for the other transport tissue, the xylem. Xylem has two crucial jobs. Firstly, it transports water and dissolved mineral ions from the roots up to the leaves. Secondly, it provides mechanical strength and support to the plant, helping to keep it upright.