Question

In which direction does the phloem transfer its contents?

Answer 1

Phloem:

Phloem is the vascular tissue of the plant which primarily performs the function of food transportation.

Transportation through phloem:

1. Food in plants is synthesized in the leaves or green parts.
2. From the leaves, the food gets loaded on the phloem tissue and is transported to various parts of the plant including the stem, roots, fruits, flowers, etc.
3. Sometimes when the food is not synthesized by the plants due to the lack of sunlight then, the food which is previously stored in roots is used by the plants.
4. Hence, the movement of food through the phloem is bi-directional i.e. both in upward and downward directions.
5. The process of food transportation via the phloem requires ATP.
6. Various elements of the phloem fibers, phloem parenchyma, and companion cells all contribute to the food translocation process.

Figure showing transportation through phloem: