What tissue conducts carbohydrates within a tree?

Phloem is the tissue responsible for conducting carbohydrates within a tree. This is essential for the tree's nutrition and energy distribution because phloem transports the products of photosynthesis—primarily sugars—that are made in the leaves to other parts of the tree, such as roots, stems, and fruits, where they are utilized for growth and energy storage. The phloem works in conjunction with xylem, which transports water and nutrients from the roots to the leaves, but its specific role is in the distribution of carbohydrates.

In contrast, the cambium is a layer of growth tissue that produces new phloem and xylem cells, while vascular bundles refer to the grouping of xylem and phloem that are found in the plant's structural system. Neither of these fulfills the specific role of transporting carbohydrates as phloem does. By understanding these distinctions, it becomes clear why phloem is the correct choice for the transportation of carbohydrates within trees.