Which type of tissue carries sugars and other organic substances throughout a plant?

Phloem is the type of tissue responsible for transporting sugars and other organic substances throughout a plant. It plays a crucial role in the plant's vascular system, specifically in the movement of photosynthates, which are products of photosynthesis, from the leaves where they are produced to other parts of the plant, including roots, stems, and fruits. This transport is essential for the plant's growth, development, and energy distribution.

In contrast to xylem, which mainly transports water and minerals from the roots to the leaves, phloem operates in the opposite direction, facilitating the downward and lateral movement of nutrients. The cambium is a type of meristematic tissue involved in the growth and development of the xylem and phloem, contributing to the increase in diameter of stems and roots but not directly involved in transport. Parenchyma is a fundamental tissue that serves functions like storage, photosynthesis, and tissue repair but does not have a primary role in the transport of sugars and organic substances.