stem

• the vascular bundle is arranged near the edge of the stem with the phloem on the outside and the xylem on the inside
• the xylem and phloem are arranged into bundles to resist compression and bending forces
• epidermis and its waxy cuticle

  provide a protective barrier against mechanical injury, water loss and infection
• vascular tissue 


  provides transport for water, nutrients and signalling molecules and support the plant body against.mechanical stresses
• ground tissues 


  provides support and may store food or water
• cross-section of a stem

  A) phloem

  B) xylem