While the xylem transports water and minerals, the phloem carries manufactured food from the leaves to different parts of the plant. This process, called translocation, moves sugars, amino acids, and other nutrients produced during photosynthesis. Unlike xylem transport, which is passive, translocation is active and bidirectional, meaning food can move up or down the plant depending on demand. The pressure-flow hypothesis explains this movement: sugars produced in the leaves increase osmotic pressure, drawing in water and pushing the nutrient solution toward regions of lower pressure, such as roots and storage organs. Understanding translocation helps us appreciate how plants distribute energy and store nutrients for growth, reproduction, and survival.
22/02/2025, 16:50:48
