Question

Can companion cells be associated with sieve elements?

Answer 1

Companion cells:

1. Companion cells are found in the phloem of flowering plants.
2. These are specialized parenchyma cells They are nucleated cells with ribosomes and mitochondria.
3. Companion cells help to shift sugar and amino acids out of sieve elements.

Sieve elements:

1. Sieve elements are specialized cells in the phloem.
2. They are highly organized tissue and help in transporting organic compounds during photosynthesis.

Association of companion cells with sieve elements:

1. Companion cells are closely associated with sieve elements.
2. Companion cells are associated with sieve elements through plasmodesmata and they together help in the transport mechanism in plants.