What is the function of xylem in trees?

The function of xylem in trees primarily involves the transport of water and dissolved minerals from the roots to the leaves. This process is crucial for the plant's overall health and growth, as water is necessary for photosynthesis, nutrient transport, and maintaining turgor pressure, which keeps the plant upright.

Xylem is composed of specialized cells that are designed to facilitate this upward movement of water through a process called transpiration. As water evaporates from the leaves, it creates a negative pressure that draws more water up from the roots through the xylem vessels. This operational aspect is vital for the tree's ability to photosynthesize effectively and maintain its physiological processes.

While the xylem does contribute to the overall structure of the tree and its integrity, which relates to support, its primary function is not structural support—that role is more attributed to the overall design and density of xylem tissue combined with other cellular components. Similarly, hormone conduction is primarily the function of phloem, and storage of starch and carbohydrates is more closely associated with parenchyma tissues rather than the primary role of xylem. Thus, the function of xylem is distinctly centered on the transport of water and nutrients, marking option A as the