Water and minerals are transported in plants through xylem tissue. The vessels and tracheids of roots, stems, and leaves are interconnected to form a continuous system of water-conducting channels reaching all parts of the plant. At the roots, cells in contact with the soil actively take up ions, creating a difference in concentration between the root and soil, which causes water to move into the root.

The upward movement of water and minerals is mainly driven by transpiration pull. Evaporation of water molecules from the cells of a leaf creates a suction which pulls water from the xylem cells of roots. During the day, when stomata are open, transpiration pull becomes the major driving force, while root pressure is more important at night.