Which tissue type primarily carries nutrients and sugars in plants?

The tissue type that primarily carries nutrients and sugars in plants is phloem. Phloem is responsible for the transport of sucrose and other organic compounds produced during photosynthesis from the leaves, where they are generated, to other parts of the plant, including stems and roots, where they are utilized or stored. This transport process is crucial for providing energy and building materials for growth and development.

In contrast, xylem primarily transports water and minerals absorbed from the soil, rather than sugars. Dermal tissue serves as a protective outer layer of the plant and does not play a role in the transport of nutrients. Ground tissue is involved in functions such as storage, photosynthesis, and support, but it is not directly responsible for the transport of sugars and nutrients like phloem is. Thus, the phloem's function in nutrient transport is integral to the overall health and metabolism of the plant.