Buttercup root. Light micrograph of a section through the root of a buttercup plant (Ranunculus sp.). The root contains a central vascular bundle (within blue circle), comprising xylem (blue/green) and phloem (pink) tissues. Xylem is responsible for transporting water from the roots upwards to the rest of the plant. Phloem carries sugars and other nutrients from areas that produce them (such as leaves) to those that require them (such as developing fruits). Magnification: x195 when printed 10cm wide.