Maize root. Light micrograph (LM) of a section through the root of a maize plant (Zea mays) showing typical monocot arrangement of vascular bundles. The central vascular cylinder is comprised of a central cluster of parenchyma cells surrounded by fused vascular bundles and the endodermis The largest vessels seen here are metaxylem, part of the xylem tissue in the vascular bundles. Xylem transports water and mineral nutrients from the roots throughout the plant, while phloem the other component of the bundles, transports carbohydrates and plant hormones. Magnification: x40 when printed 10 centimetres wide.