What type of vascular tissue carries food from leaves to other parts of the plant?

Phloem is the type of vascular tissue responsible for transporting food, primarily in the form of sugars produced during photosynthesis, from the leaves to other parts of the plant. This movement is essential for providing energy and nutrients to growing tissues, such as roots, stems, and developing fruits. The capability of phloem to move organic materials throughout the plant ensures that all parts have the energy necessary to function effectively.

In contrast, xylem serves a different purpose; it is primarily responsible for transporting water and dissolved minerals from the roots to the leaves. Cambium is a layer of tissue that produces new xylem and phloem as the plant grows, while root hairs are specialized structures that increase the surface area of roots for water and nutrient absorption from the soil. Each of these other structures plays a key role in the overall function of the plant, but they do not carry food from leaves to other areas, which is the specific function of phloem.