Which statement correctly describes phloem tissue?

Which statement correctly describes phloem tissue?

• A. Contains chlorophyll
• B. Carries sugar throughout plant; 2 directions
• C. Absorb water and minerals
• D. Carries H2O UP from roots; one directional

Answer: (B)

Phloem tissue moves the products of photosynthesis, mainly sugars, from where they are made (the leaves) to every part of the plant that needs energy or storage. This transport, called translocation, can go in two directions depending on the plant’s needs, so sugars can move from sources to sinks up or down the plant as required. That makes the statement that phloem carries sugar throughout the plant in two directions the best description. In contrast, chlorophyll resides in chloroplasts of photosynthetic cells, not in phloem; absorbing water and minerals is a job of xylem; and xylem carries water primarily upward from the roots, not distributing sugars.

Phloem tissue moves the products of photosynthesis, mainly sugars, from where they are made (the leaves) to every part of the plant that needs energy or storage. This transport, called translocation, can go in two directions depending on the plant’s needs, so sugars can move from sources to sinks up or down the plant as required. That makes the statement that phloem carries sugar throughout the plant in two directions the best description. In contrast, chlorophyll resides in chloroplasts of photosynthetic cells, not in phloem; absorbing water and minerals is a job of xylem; and xylem carries water primarily upward from the roots, not distributing sugars.