What type of vascular tissue is responsible for transporting water upward from the roots to the rest of the plant?

Xylem is the type of vascular tissue responsible for transporting water and dissolved minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant. This tissue comprises specialized cells that form a continuous system, allowing for efficient upward movement of water, aided by processes such as transpiration and capillary action. The xylem vessels are structured to withstand the negative pressure created during water transport, enabling the plant to maintain essential hydration and nutrient distribution needed for growth and photosynthesis.

The other options refer to different plant structures with distinct functions. Phloem, for instance, is involved in the transport of sugars and other organic compounds produced during photosynthesis. Stomata are small openings on leaf surfaces that facilitate gas exchange, while chloroplasts are organelles responsible for photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy. Each serves a critical role within the plant, but none are involved in the upward transport of water like xylem.