The tubes (or pipes) which transport water and dissolved minerals from the soil to the leaves of a plant

Options

A. xylem
B. phloem
C. epidermis
D. stomata

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks about the specific tubes or pipes in plants that transport water and dissolved minerals from the soil to the leaves.

2. **Identifying Plant Structures**: In plants, there are two main types of conducting tissues: xylem and phloem. Xylem is responsible for transporting water and dissolved minerals, while phloem is responsible for transporting food.

3. **Role of Xylem**: The xylem is the tissue that carries water and minerals absorbed by the roots from the soil up to the leaves. This process is essential for the plant's growth and development.

4. **Eliminating Other Options**:
- **Phloem**: While it is a conducting tissue, it primarily transports food, not water and minerals.
- **Epidermis**: This is the outer protective layer of the plant and does not transport substances.
- **Stomata**: These are small openings on the leaves that facilitate gas exchange and water loss but are not involved in transporting water and minerals.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the correct answer to the question is **Xylem**, as it is the specific tissue responsible for transporting water and dissolved minerals from the soil to the leaves of the plant.

**Final Answer**: The tubes (or pipes) which transport water and dissolved minerals from the soil to the leaves of a plant are called **Xylem**.

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