Which component is primarily responsible for transporting water in plants?

Xylem is the component primarily responsible for transporting water in plants. It consists of specialized cells that form a tissue capable of conducting water and dissolved minerals from the roots up through the stem and into the leaves. This upward movement is essential for various physiological processes, including photosynthesis, nutrient transport, and maintaining plant turgor.

Water absorbed by the roots enters the xylem and is then transported to different parts of the plant. The structure of xylem allows it to effectively resist the negative pressure created during transpiration, which is the loss of water vapor from the leaves. Additionally, xylem cells are typically hollow and have thick, lignified walls that provide structural support to the plant.

In contrast, phloem is responsible for transporting the products of photosynthesis, such as sugars, throughout the plant. Cambium is a layer of actively dividing cells that contributes to the plant's growth by producing new xylem and phloem. Root hairs are structures that increase the surface area of root systems to enhance water and nutrient absorption from the soil but do not transport water themselves.