7.2.8

Phloem Structure

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Phloem Structure

The phloem are plant vessels that are responsible for transporting sugars. The structure of the phloem is specialised for this role.

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Sieve tube elements

  • Sieve tube elements are the cells that make up the phloem vessel.
  • The vessel consists of many sieve tube elements that run up the stem on top of one another.
  • Sieve tube elements are living cells that contain a cytoplasm but no nucleus.
  • The walls of sieve tube elements are made of cellulose.
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Companion cells

  • Companion cells are connected to sieve tube elements via plasmodesmata.
    • Plasmodesmata allows the cytoplasm to be shared between companion cells and sieve tube elements.
  • Companion cells have a nucleus.
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Sieve plates

  • At either end of the sieve tube elements are sieve plates.
  • Sieve plates have large pores that allow sap to move through the sieve tube elements.
  • Sieve plates allow sugars to be transported through the phloem.

Jump to other topics

1Unity & Diversity - Molecules

2Unity & Diversity - Cells

3Unity & Diversity - Organisms

4Unity & Diversity - Ecosystems

5Form & Function - Molecules

6Form & Function - Cells

7Form & Function - Organisms

8Form & Function - Ecosystems

9Interaction & Interdependence - Molecules

10Interaction & Interdependence - Cells

11Interaction & Interdependence - Organisms

12Interaction & Interdependence - Ecosystems

12.1Populations & Communities

12.2Transfers of Energy & Matter

13Continuity & Change - Molecules

14Continuity & Change - Cells

15Continuity & Change - Organisms

16Continuity & Change - Ecosystems

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