Xylem tissue in plants is primarily responsible for the transport of water and minerals. This essential function allows plants to efficiently move water and dissolved nutrients from the roots to various parts of the plant, including the stems and leaves. The xylem vessels are specialized for this purpose, facilitating the upward movement of water through capillary action and cohesion-tension mechanism.
In summary, the xylem plays a crucial role in maintaining plant hydration and nutrient intake, which are vital for sustaining plant growth and physiological processes. Therefore, the correct choice is: Transport of water and minerals.