Question

What is phloem tissue, and explain its various elements with their function?

Answer 1

Phloem:

1. Phloem tissue is a type of complex permanent food conducting tissue that helps in the transport of the photosynthesis products to various parts of the plant body.
2. Phloem tissue is made up of four different elements such as:
   • Sieve tubes: These are elongated tube-like structures that serve as the main conducting element in the plant body.
   • Companion cells: These are specialized, living, thin-walled parenchyma cells that are associated with sieve tubes and control its functioning.
   • Phloem parenchyma: Phloem parenchyma is elongated, pointed, cylindrical cells that store oil, starch, mucilage, latex etc.
   • Phloem fibres: These are elongated sclerenchymatous cells that provide mechanical strength to the plant body.