Plants use two main systems to transport water and nutrients: the xylem and the phloem. The xylem is responsible for transporting water and dissolved minerals absorbed from the soil upward from the roots to the leaves. It consists of tube-like structures that facilitate efficient water movement through capillary action and transpiration. The phloem, on the other hand, transports organic nutrients, especially sugars produced through photosynthesis, from the leaves to other parts of the plant. These systems work in tandem to ensure plants receive the necessary resources for growth and development.