• Xylem forms the solid part of the star.
• Phloem fills in the spaces between the star points.

Xylem

• Job: Transporting water.
• Spot them by
  • Big size.
  • Thick, robust walls.
  • Rounded shape when looking from the top (transverse view).
• Fun Fact: In microscope images, xylem might be the ones partying in red dresses because their walls are lignified (meaning they have lignin which provides strength).

Phloem

• Job: Transporting nutrients.
• Features
  • Definitely more petite than xylem.
  • Rocking thinner walls.

Epidermis

• Job: Outer protective layer.
• Cool Feature: Might have tiny root hairs sticking out, like nature's version of hair extensions! These help the root to absorb more water and nutrients.

Cortex

• Found between the party-central vascular tissues and the outside-dressed epidermis.
• Features
  • Larger cells, but...
  • ...with walls so thin, you'd think they're on a diet!