Final answer:
Phloem in vascular plants is the tissue responsible for transporting sugars and other solutes, using living cells with perforated end walls for efficient nutrient distribution.
Step-by-step explanation:
The role of phloem in a vascular plant is best described as the transport of sugars, proteins, and other solutes throughout the plant. Specifically, the phloem is responsible for transporting food, typically in the form of sugar dissolved in water, from the photosynthetic cells where it is produced to other parts of the plant where it is used for growth or stored. Unlike xylem, which is responsible for the transport of water and minerals, the phloem consists of living cells with end walls that have tiny perforations for the efficient distribution of nutrients.