What component of the plant transport system carries water and minerals?

The xylem is a vital component of the plant transport system responsible for carrying water and dissolved minerals from the roots to other parts of the plant. It consists of specialized vessels and tracheids that facilitate the upward movement of water through a process known as transpiration. As water evaporates from the leaves, it creates a negative pressure that pulls more water upward from the roots, ensuring that the plant remains hydrated and can carry out essential photosynthetic processes.

Other components mentioned do not fulfill this specific role. The phloem, for instance, is responsible for transporting the products of photosynthesis, primarily sugars, from the leaves to the rest of the plant. The cuticle serves as a protective layer on the surface of leaves and helps reduce water loss, but it does not participate in transport. The endodermis is a layer of cells surrounding the vascular tissue in the root that regulates the movement of water and nutrients into the xylem, but it does not carry water itself. Thus, xylem's specific function in transporting water and minerals makes it the correct answer.