Question

Why is it important to the plant that phloem moves both up and down?

Answer 1

Phloem:

1. It is important to the plant that the phloem moves both up and down because the movement of food and nutrients created during photosynthesis throughout the plant is accomplished by the phloem.
2. These compounds are transported by the phloem tissue, which allows them to go both up and down within the plant, unlike sap which moves through the xylem.
3. Phloem cells are tailored to perform certain functions: Sieve tubes lack a nucleus and are designed for transfer.
4. The perforated end of each sieve tube allows the cytoplasm to link one cell to the next.