Question

What are companion cell and phloem fibers?

Answer 1

Phloem:

1. It is the vascular tissue in plants.
2. Food supplies are transported via phloem from leaves to other plant sections.
3. Phloem comprises companion cells, sieve tube elements, phloem fibres, and phloem parenchyma.

Companion cells:

1. Companion cells are parenchymatous cells with specialized functions.
2. Pit fields connect the sieve tube elements and companion cells between their common longitudinal walls.
3. They aid in maintaining the sieve tubes' pressure gradient.

Phloem fibres:

1. Sclerenchymatous cells make up phloem fibres.
2. These are long and unbranched, with sharp, needle-like apices.
3. Phloem fibres have a very thick cell wall.