📚 StudyHub

🔬 Biology  ·  Transport in Plants  ·  NEET

Translocation of organic solutes in the phloem can occur in both upward and downward directions because:

  • A Flow direction depends on relative source and sink position, not fixed anatomy
  • B Phloem transports mainly water, for which direction is irrelevant in most reference accounts
  • C Sucrose can move mainly from root to leaf, rarely the reverse under normal conditions
  • D Phloem sap flow is fixed in one direction by gravity as frequently documented

Correct answer: A. Flow direction depends on relative source and sink position, not fixed anatomy

Explanation: Unlike the unidirectional upward flow in xylem, phloem transport is bidirectional, moving sugars from whichever organ is currently a source to whichever organ is currently a sink, regardless of position.

Concept context

Water and mineral absorption, the ascent of sap, transpiration, and phloem transport via the pressure flow hypothesis.

Read the full Transport in Plants notes →