| Transport of materials in xylem | Transport of materials in phloem |
| Xylem tissue helps in the transport of water and minerals. | Phloem tissue helps in the transport of food. |
| Water is transported upwards from roots to all other plant parts. | Food is transported in both upward and downward directions. |
| Transport in xylem occurs with the help of simple physical forces such as transpiration pull. | Transport of food in phloem requires energy in the form of ATP. |
