Final answer:
Xylem is a type of vascular tissue in plants that transports water and minerals. It consists of dead cells with thick walls and allows water to move through tracheids and vessel elements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The xylem is a type of vascular tissue in plants that transports water and dissolved minerals from the roots to the stems and leaves. It is made up of dead cells with thick, lignified walls that lack end walls between adjacent cells. The water moves through the xylem using tracheids and vessel elements, which are able to conduct water and are dead at maturity.