Carries food in plants.

**The reasoning** Plants have a vascular system—think of it like roads for transportation. There are two main "highways": **xylem** and **phloem**. **Phloem** is responsible for transporting *food* (sugars made during photosynthesis) from the leaves (where food is produced) to all other parts of the plant—roots, stems, fruits, flowers. This movement of food is called **translocation**, and it flows in multiple directions (up and down) as needed. **Why the wrong options tempt you** - **Xylem (A)** transports *water and minerals* from roots upward—not food. Many students confuse the two vessels because they work together. - **Cortex (C)** is just storage tissue in stems and roots; it doesn't transport anything. - **Bark (D)** is the outer protective layer; while it *contains* phloem inside it, bark itself isn't the transport tissue. **Quick takeaway** **"Phloem = Food"**—both start with "F." Xylem carries water UP from roots; phloem carries food FROM leaves to everywhere the plant needs energy. Remember: phloem is the plant's food delivery service! 🌱