What type of vascular tissue is primarily responsible for water transport in plants?

Xylem is the type of vascular tissue primarily responsible for the transport of water and dissolved minerals from the roots throughout the plant. This tissue consists of specialized cells that facilitate the movement of water upwards against gravity, utilizing processes such as capillarity and transpiration. The structure of xylem includes vessel elements and tracheids, which are designed to efficiently transport water while providing structural support to the plant.

In contrast, phloem primarily functions in the transport of photosynthetic products, such as sugars, rather than water. The epidermis serves as a protective layer for plant structures and does not have any role in vascular transport. Parenchyma is a type of plant tissue involved in storage, photosynthesis, and tissue healing, but it does not contribute directly to the transport of water. Thus, xylem is uniquely specialized for its role in water transport, making it the correct answer.