Nutrients, oxygen, carbon dioxide, hormones and forms of waste are the materials transported by the animal circulatory system. Carbon dioxide and other waste products need to be removed from the body, while the nutrients, oxygen and hormones are transported to the cells for the body to uptake. After nutrients and oxygen are used by the body, they are turned into waste and carbon dioxide.
The circulatory system is made up of blood vessels, including veins, arteries and capillaries, and the heart, lungs and blood. The blood vessels form the network of the transport system, while the heart pumps the blood distributing it around the body. The lungs are where "gaseous exchange" takes place, that is, where oxygen is obtained and carbon dioxide is transported out of the body. The blood vessels bring nutrients to the cells while also transporting waste away.
The plant transport system has fewer components than the animal system. One half of the plant transport system is the xylem. The xylem transports water and minerals. It can only transport in an upward direction toward the leaves, and the xylem's rigid cell structure provides the plant's support as well. The water and minerals are taken from the soil via the roots.
The other half of the plant transport system is the phloem. The phloem tube transports food such as amino acids and sugars, which are a result of photosynthesis. The phloem is able to transport material in both directions.