What are vascular bundles in plants? Name the two main components of a vascular bundle and their respective functions.

Vascular bundles are complex tissues in plants responsible for the transport of water, minerals, and food. The two main components are xylem and phloem. Xylem is responsible for the transport of water and dissolved minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant. Phloem transports food (sugars) produced during photosynthesis from the leaves to other parts of the plant where it is needed for growth or storage.