* Phloem is made up of living cells: This is correct. Unlike xylem, which transports water, phloem relies on living cells to actively transport sugars.
* Phloem takes sugars to the roots: This is also correct! Phloem is responsible for transporting sugars produced in the leaves (through photosynthesis) to other parts of the plant, including the roots.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
* Phloem: A vascular tissue in plants responsible for transporting sugars (primarily sucrose) and other organic molecules throughout the plant.
* Sugar Transport: Phloem moves sugars from source (where they are produced) to sink (where they are needed). The leaves are the primary source, and the roots, growing shoots, and developing fruits are examples of sinks.
* Mechanism of Transport: Phloem transport is driven by a pressure gradient, which is created by the active loading of sugars into sieve tubes (long chains of phloem cells). This high sugar concentration in the phloem draws water from surrounding cells, generating pressure that pushes the sugars towards the sinks.
Let me know if you have any other questions about plant physiology!
