IGCSEScienceCambridge (CIE)Co-ordinated Sciences (Double Award)BiologyRevision Notes8. Transport in PlantsTransport in PlantsXylem & Phloem

Xylem & Phloem (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences (Double Award): Biology): Revision Note

Exam code: 0654 & 0973

Written by: Cara Head

Reviewed by: Lára Marie McIvor

Updated on 2 July 2026

The Xylem & Phloem

Plants contain two types of transport vessel:
- Xylem (pronounced: zi-lem) vessels – transport water and minerals from the roots to the stem and leaves. They also offer support to the plant within the stem
- Phloem (pronounced: flow-em) vessels – transport food materials (mainly sucrose and amino acids) made by the plant from photosynthesising leaves to non-photosynthesising regions in the roots and stem
These vessels are arranged throughout the root, stem and leaves in groups called vascular bundles

Vascular tissue in a dicotyledonous plant

Examiner Tips and Tricks

If you are asked to identify the xylem or phloem in a diagram showing a cross-section of a root, stem or leaf just remember that xylem is always on the inside and phloem is always on the outside.

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Author: Cara Head

Expertise: Biology & Psychology Content Creator

Cara graduated from the University of Exeter in 2005 with a degree in Biological Sciences. She has fifteen years of experience teaching the Sciences at KS3 to KS5, and Psychology at A-Level. Cara has taught in a range of secondary schools across the South West of England before joining the team at SME. Cara is passionate about Biology and creating resources that bring the subject alive and deepen students' understanding

Reviewer: Lára Marie McIvor

Expertise: Content Creator

Lára graduated from Oxford University in Biological Sciences and has now been a science tutor working in the UK for several years. Lára has a particular interest in the area of infectious disease and epidemiology, and enjoys creating original educational materials that develop confidence and facilitate learning.