Phloem is a vital component of a plant’s vascular system, along with xylem. While xylem is responsible for transporting water and minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant, phloem is in charge of transporting nutrients and sugars produced through photosynthesis to all parts of the plant.
Phloem is made up of specialized elongated cells called sieve tubes, which are connected end to end to form a continuous transport system. Companion cells provide energy to keep the phloem cells functioning properly. The transport of sugars and other organic compounds in the phloem is known as translocation.
Without phloem, plants would not be able to transport the sugars produced during photosynthesis to the places where they are needed for growth, energy storage, and reproduction. The efficient functioning of phloem is essential for the overall health and growth of plants.#16#