What tissue transports water and dissolved minerals upwards from the roots?

The correct answer is xylem, which is the primary tissue responsible for the upward transport of water and dissolved minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant. Xylem consists of specialized cells that facilitate this movement through a process known as transpiration, where water evaporates from the leaf surfaces, creating a negative pressure that draws water upwards. This transport is essential for maintaining the plant's hydration, nutrient uptake, and overall health.

In contrast, phloem is involved in transporting sugars and organic nutrients produced by photosynthesis from the leaves to other parts of the plant, not water and minerals. The cortex is a tissue layer in roots and stems that primarily serves as storage and support. The epidermis is the outer protective layer of plant organs and does not play a direct role in the transport of water and minerals. Understanding the distinct functions of these plant tissues is vital in agronomy and plant biology.