# Phloem and xylem are the two main transport vessels in plants. Explain how the structure of phloem vessels is adapted to carry out their function of transporting sugars around the plant.

> Eduqas A-Level Biology — 2.4 Adaptations for nutrition · Explain · 5 marks

> Plants need to move sugars produced during photosynthesis from leaves to other parts of the plant, such as roots and growing regions. This movement is called translocation and is carried out by the phloem.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Phloem is made of living cells / sieve tubes are living cells
2. Companion cells provide energy (for active transport of sugars into / out of phloem)
3. Sieve tubes have no nuclei / cytoplasm is connected between cells (via sieve plates)
4. Phloem transports sugars in both directions / from source to sink (translocation)
5. Sugars that are not used are converted into starch for storage

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas A-Level Biology](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/phloem-and-xylem-are-the-two-12f1b456) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.