Vascular plants, unlike non-vascular plants, have two specialized tissues that allow them to transport water and nutrients throughout the plant:

1. Xylem:

* Function: Transports water and dissolved minerals upwards from the roots to the rest of the plant.

* Structure: Composed of dead cells joined end-to-end, forming hollow tubes. The walls of these cells are thickened with lignin, providing structural support.

2. Phloem:

* Function: Transports sugars (produced during photosynthesis) from the leaves to other parts of the plant, including the roots, stems, and flowers.

* Structure: Composed of living cells joined end-to-end. The end walls of these cells have pores, allowing the flow of sugars.

These specialized tissues are the defining characteristic of vascular plants and enable them to grow much larger and more complex than non-vascular plants.