Pathway of water and mineral ions in plants

Steps:

• Water and minerals enter roots through root hairs by osmosis and diffusion.
• They move across cortex cells via apoplast or symplast pathways.
• At the endodermis, they pass Casparian strip and enter xylem vessels.
• Xylem transports them upward to mesophyll cells in leaves for photosynthesis.

Why C is correct:

• Xylem conducts water and dissolved minerals from roots to aerial parts, as per plant vascular tissue function.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Phloem transports sugars, not water/minerals; mesophyll placement is premature.
• B: Mesophyll is in leaves, not before xylem transport from roots.
• D: Phloem carries organic nutrients, not water/minerals; bypasses xylem role.

Final answer: C