<P> Vascular tissue is a complex conducting tissue, formed of more than one cell type, found in vascular plants . The primary components of vascular tissue are the xylem and phloem . These two tissues transport fluid and nutrients internally . There are also two meristems associated with vascular tissue: the vascular cambium and the cork cambium . All the vascular tissues within a particular plant together constitute the vascular tissue system of that plant . </P> <P> The cells in vascular tissue are typically long and slender . Since the xylem and phloem function in the conduction of water, minerals, and nutrients throughout the plant, it is not surprising that their form should be similar to pipes . The individual cells of phloem are connected end - to - end, just as the sections of a pipe might be . As the plant grows, new vascular tissue differentiates in the growing tips of the plant . The new tissue is aligned with existing vascular tissue, maintaining its connection throughout the plant . The vascular tissue in plants is arranged in long, discrete strands called vascular bundles . These bundles include both xylem and phloem, as well as supporting and protective cells . In stems and roots, the xylem typically lies closer to the interior of the stem with phloem towards the exterior of the stem . In the stems of some Asterales dicots, there may be phloem located inwardly from the xylem as well . </P> <P> Between the xylem and phloem is a meristem called the vascular cambium . This tissue divides off cells that will become additional xylem and phloem . This growth increases the girth of the plant, rather than its length . As long as the vascular cambium continues to produce new cells, the plant will continue to grow more stout . In trees and other plants that develop wood, the vascular cambium allows the expansion of vascular tissue that produces woody growth . Because this growth ruptures the epidermis of the stem, woody plants also have a cork cambium that develops among the phloem . The cork cambium gives rise to thickened cork cells to protect the surface of the plant and reduce water loss . Both the production of wood and the production of cork are forms of secondary growth . </P>

What is the function of the three specialized tissues in plants