Phloem differs from xylem in the following ways:
A. Phloem has a two-way flow: Unlike xylem, which transports water and minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant, phloem carries nutrients such as sugars produced during photosynthesis both upwards (from leaves to other parts of the plant) and downwards (from leaves to roots).
B. Phloem is made of cells: Phloem is composed of living cells, including sieve tube elements and companion cells, that are responsible for the transport of organic nutrients throughout the plant. In contrast, xylem consists of non-living cells (tracheids and vessel elements) that primarily conduct water and minerals.
In summary, the key differences lie in the direction of flow and the cellular composition of phloem compared to xylem in plants.
