Describe the way solutes are transported in a plant's vascular system

Solutes (e.g sucrose) are transported in the phloem from source to sink. Sucrose is made at the leaves in the plant, this is actively transported into the phloem via companion cells. This then lowers the water potential of the phloem, so water moves in from the xylem via osmosis. As a result, the hydro-static pressure of the phloem is increased so the solutes in the phloem move down their hydro-static pressure gradient. This means they move down from the source to the sink which is in the roots. This is where sucrose is removed via companion cells and stored, then water moves out of the phloem via osmosis, which lowers the hydro-static pressure in this area of the phloem and so this process maintains a pressure gradient allowing solutes to continue to move from source to sink.

Answered by Lily V. Biology tutor

1697 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe the synaptic transmission of a nerve impulse at the neuromuscular junction


Briefly describe the process of mitosis.


How are coenzymes used in the process of aerobic respiration?


How are nerve impulses transmitted across a synapse?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences