How are water and minerals transported in plants?

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Role of Xylem**: Water and minerals are primarily transported in plants through a specialized vascular tissue known as xylem.

2. **Absorption of Water and Minerals**: The process begins at the roots of the plant, where water and dissolved minerals are absorbed from the soil. This absorption occurs through tiny hair-like structures called root hairs.

3. **Mechanism of Absorption**: The absorption of water and minerals into the root hairs takes place via the process of diffusion, where substances move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

...