# Describe how the structure of the phloem is adapted to transport sugars from the leaves to other parts of a plant.

> WJEC A-Level Biology (Wales) — 2.4 Adaptations for nutrition · Describe · 5 marks

> Plants produce glucose during photosynthesis in the leaves. This glucose must be transported to other parts of the plant, such as the roots and growing shoots, where it is needed for metabolic reactions.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Phloem is made of living cells (sieve tubes)
2. Companion cells provide energy for transport
3. Sieve tubes have no nucleus / cytoplasms are connected
4. Sugars are transported from the source (leaves) to the sink (roots/growing regions) — this is called translocation
5. When sugar is not needed it is converted to starch for storage

## Key terms

- [phloem](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/phloem)

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC A-Level Biology (Wales)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-how-the-structure-of-the-6d69773f) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.