Which of the following plant tissues is responsible for transporting water and nutrients from the roots to the rest of the plant?

Analyze the question: It asks which plant tissue carries water and mineral nutrients upward from the roots to the rest of the plant.

Explain the concept: Plants have two main vascular (transport) tissues:

• Xylem carries water and dissolved mineral salts from the roots up to the stem and leaves. Its cells (vessels and tracheids) are dead, hollow and strengthened with lignin, which makes them suited to conducting water and giving support.
• Phloem carries manufactured food (mainly sucrose) from the leaves to other parts of the plant, such as roots, fruits and storage organs. This is called translocation. Its main cells are sieve tubes and companion cells.

Check each option:

• A. Mesophyll: This is the photosynthetic tissue inside the leaf (palisade and spongy layers). It does not transport water from the roots over long distances. ✗
• B. Xylem: It transports water and minerals from the roots upward. ✓
• C. Epidermis: This is the outer protective layer of the plant. In roots, it also has root hairs for absorption, but it does not transport water through the plant. ✗
• D. Phloem: It transports food, not water and minerals from the roots. ✗

Answer: The correct option is **B.

Exam tip: Remember "X"ylem = "eXtracts" water from the soil and takes it up, while Phloem = Photosynthesis products (food). JAMB often tests this xylem vs. phloem contrast, so check whether the question says "water and minerals" (xylem) or "food/sugar" (phloem).