Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Plants have a vascular system composed of specialized tissues for transporting substances throughout the plant. The two main tissues are xylem and phloem.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
\[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{Xylem: This tissue is responsible for the transport of water and dissolved minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant (stem, leaves). The movement is typically unidirectional (upwards). Xylem also provides structural support to the plant. } \\ \bullet & \text{Phloem: This tissue is responsible for the transport of sugars (food), produced during photosynthesis in the leaves, to other parts of the plant where they are needed for growth or storage. This process is called translocation and can be multidirectional. Amino acids are also transported via phloem. } \\ \end{array}\]
Therefore, the function of xylem is the transport of water.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Xylem in plants is responsible for carrying water.