What primary role does xylem serve in a plant’s structure?

The primary role of xylem in a plant's structure is the transport of water and nutrients. Xylem is a type of vascular tissue responsible for conducting water and dissolved minerals absorbed from the soil upwards through the plant to the leaves and other parts for necessary physiological processes. This transport is crucial for maintaining turgor pressure, which helps the plant stay upright and supports overall growth and development.

In addition to transporting water, xylem also plays a role in the movement of certain nutrients that are vital for plant health and growth. This function is distinct from the roles of storage of energy, which typically involves other tissues in the plant, or photosynthesis, which occurs in chloroplasts of the leaves. Moreover, while some plant tissues may provide protection against diseases, that responsibility falls more to other structures such as the epidermis or secondary metabolites, rather than the xylem itself. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the essential function of xylem in facilitating vital resources for the plant's life processes.