Question

Name the four elements of phloem.

Answer 1

Phloem:

1. It is a complex permanent tissue found in plants.
2. It is the food conducting element of plants.
3. It has four elements, namely, companion cells, sieve tubes, phloem parenchyma, and phloem fibres.

Sieve tubes:

1. These are also called sieve plates.
2. The sieve tubes have thick primary walls, and the sieve cells are always arranged one above another.

Companion cells:

1. The elongated, thin-walled, specialized parenchyma cells associated with the sieve elements are known as companion cells.
2. They are present only in angiosperms.
3. They help the sieve tubes in the food conducting process.

Phloem parenchyma:

1. It is comprised of the parenchyma cells.
2. It helps in storing starch and fats.

Phloem fibres:

1. These are thick-walled, elongated, spindle-shaped cells and are also called bast fibres.
2. These are the only dead tissue amongst all elements of phloem.