Transport in Plants - Phloem Flashcards
(11 cards)
what does phloem tissue consist of
- sieve tube elements
- companion cells
- parenchyma
- fibres
- sclereids
what are the sieve tube elements
columns of cells that transport the assimilates
what are companion cells
linked to the sieve tubes, contain dense cytoplasm and carry out the metabolic reactions required for transport
what are parenchyma
packing cells
what are fibres
thick lignin walls, dead, hollow, for support
what are sclereids
lignified parenchyma for support
what is the liquid within sieve tube elements
phloem sap - mainly sucrose and ions
what do the sieve elements contain (adaptations)
- thin layer of cytoplasm
- contain mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum
- no nucleus or ribosomes
- thin end walls (not lignified)
- end walls are perforated forming sieve plates
how wide are sieve elements and how many sides
10-15 micrometres
usually 5-6 sided in cross section
how are companion cells adapted for their function
- linked to sieve elements by many plasmodesmata
- dense cytoplasm with a large nucleus
- more mitochondria and ribosomes than normal and no large permanent vacuole
- infoldings of their cell surface membranes to increase surface area
what is the effect of sieve pores
reduce rate of flow