Phloem Function
The function of the phloem can be summarized as follows:
- Organic nutrient transport, primarily sugars, is synthesized in photosynthetic tissues (source) to various parts of the plant (sink) for utilization, growth, and storage.
- Translocation of signaling molecules like hormones such as auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins, and other signaling molecules regulates various physiological processes, including growth, flowering, and stress responses.
- Maintenance of source sink regulation by allocating resources based on different plant parts’ metabolic demands and developmental needs.
- Structural support to the plant by providing rigidity.
- Promote defense against herbivores by producing hard tissues that are usually difficult to chew.
Phloem – Structure and Function
Phloem is a type of vascular tissue in plants responsible for transporting organic nutrients, especially sugars, from the parts of the plant where they are made (sources) to where they are needed or stored (sinks). It is one of the two types of vascular tissue found in vascular plants, the other being xylem. It forms a complex network of cells that help to move nutrients throughout the plant. In this article, we will learn about phloem structure, phloem function, mechanism of transport by plants, and significance of phloem in plant physiology.
Table of Content
- What is Phloem?
- Structure of Phloem
- Phloem Function
- Types of Phloem
- Mechanism of Transport by Phloem
- Regulation of Phloem Transport
- Factors Affecting Phloem Transport
- Significance of Phloem in Plant Physiology