Which tissue is responsible for transporting sugars throughout the plant?

Which tissue is responsible for transporting sugars throughout the plant?

• A. Xylem
• B. Cortex
• C. Epidermis
• D. Phloem

Answer: (D)

Sugars are transported through a plant by phloem, a vascular tissue specialized for moving photosynthates from sources to sinks. Phloem is made up of sieve tube elements that form a continuous channel, with companion cells providing metabolic support. In source tissues like leaves, sugars (primarily sucrose) are actively loaded into the phloem. Water follows by osmosis from nearby xylem, increasing turgor pressure inside the sieve tubes and creating a push that drives the sugary sap toward areas where it is needed or stored (sinks) such as growing tissues, fruits, or roots. At the sink, sugars are unloaded and used or stored, and water moves back toward equilibrium, sustaining the flow. Xylem, on the other hand, transports water and minerals from roots to shoots and is not responsible for sugar distribution. Cortex and epidermis are protective or storage tissues and do not support long-distance sugar transport.

Sugars are transported through a plant by phloem, a vascular tissue specialized for moving photosynthates from sources to sinks. Phloem is made up of sieve tube elements that form a continuous channel, with companion cells providing metabolic support. In source tissues like leaves, sugars (primarily sucrose) are actively loaded into the phloem. Water follows by osmosis from nearby xylem, increasing turgor pressure inside the sieve tubes and creating a push that drives the sugary sap toward areas where it is needed or stored (sinks) such as growing tissues, fruits, or roots. At the sink, sugars are unloaded and used or stored, and water moves back toward equilibrium, sustaining the flow. Xylem, on the other hand, transports water and minerals from roots to shoots and is not responsible for sugar distribution. Cortex and epidermis are protective or storage tissues and do not support long-distance sugar transport.