AI-generated practice question — model-generated for extra practice, not a previous-year CBSE board question.
| Basis | Xylem | Phloem |
|-------|-------|--------|
| Material transported | Water and minerals | Sugars (sucrose), amino acids, and other products of photosynthesis |
| Direction | Unidirectional – upward only | Bidirectional – upward and downward |
| Driving force | Physical forces – root pressure and transpiration pull (no energy required) | Energy from ATP is used; osmotic pressure drives movement |
| Type of cells | Dead cells (vessels and tracheids) | Living cells (sieve tubes with companion cells) |
Source: Life Processes, Section 5.4.2
Examiners look for four clear points of difference — this is a standard comparison question. Using a table format is ideal for a differences question and makes it easy to score. The key contrasts are: what is transported, direction, energy requirement, and cell type. Avoid writing in paragraph form for "differences" questions — it wastes time and risks missing points.