Transport systems in plants: phloem and translocation
I can explain how sugars are transported through phloem by translocation.
Transport systems in plants: phloem and translocation
I can explain how sugars are transported through phloem by translocation.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Sugars, amino acids and other organic substances (nutrients) are transported in phloem.
- Translocation starts at a source, such as a leaf where sugars are made.
- Sugars are transported into phloem by active transport across the membranes of the living phloem cells.
- Water moves into the phloem cells by osmosis, which increases the pressure and pushes the sugars along the phloem tube.
- Sugars are transported out of the phloem by active transport at a sink, such as a developing root, stem or flower.
Common misconception
Students get confused between transport in the xylem (water and minerals) and the phloem (sugars).
These sections are covered in separate lessons, each with clear explanations and reinforcing tasks to support learning.
Keywords
Phloem - specialised vessels in plants that transport sugar, amino acids and other nutrients
Translocation - the process of transporting sugars and nutrients through the phloem
Source - the location that the sugars or nutrients are loaded during translocation
Sink - the location that the sugars or nutrients are unloaded during translocation
Active transport - the net movement of particles against a concentration gradient using energy
Equipment
None required.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
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