Q. Consider the following differences between Xylem and Phloem:

1. Xylem conducts water, while phloem conducts organic food.
2. The conducting cells in xylem are dead at maturity, while those in phloem are living cells.

Which of the above statements is / are correct?
Answer: Both 1 and 2
Notes: Both statements are correct. Xylem is responsible for transporting water and minerals from roots throughout the plant, with its conducting cells (tracheids and vessel elements) being dead at maturity. Phloem, on the other hand, transports organic food like sugars, and its conducting cells (sieve tube elements and companion cells) remain living to support active transport and metabolic functions.