Exemplar Problems

Question:

Describe the characteristics and function of phloem tissue in plants.

Answer:

Phloem tissue is responsible for the bidirectional transport of organic nutrients, particularly sugars like sucrose, which are produced by photosynthetic areas (mainly leaves) to different parts of the plant. This includes growing regions (like new shoots and roots) and storage organs. Phloem consists of sieve tube elements and companion cells. Unlike xylem, phloem transport is an active process involving osmotic pressure gradients and does not provide mechanical support.