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Translocation

Plant structures and their functions · Transport in plants · note 4 of 4

TranslocationSpec 6.10

Translocation is the transport of sucrose around the plant. Sucrose is made from the glucose produced in photosynthesis, and it is carried dissolved in water in the phloem.

  • Sucrose moves from the leaves, where it is made, to the parts of the plant that use it or store it, such as growing shoot tips, roots, flowers and fruits.
  • It can move up and down the plant, depending on where it is needed.
  • Translocation needs energy, which is released by respiration in the living cells of the phloem.
A plant with arrows showing sucrose moving in the phloem from the leaves, where it is made, up to the growing shoot tip, along to a fruit and down to the root.Tap to enlarge
Translocation: sucrose moves in the phloem from the leaves to where it is used or stored, up and down the plant.

Quick check

  1. Give two adaptations of a root hair cell.

    Show answer

    Any two of: a long, thin projection for a large surface area; many mitochondria for active transport; a thin cell wall.

  2. Why is xylem made of lignified dead cells?

    Show answer

    Dead cells with no end walls form a continuous hollow tube for water, and lignin strengthens the walls.

  3. What is transpiration?

    Show answer

    The loss of water vapour from the leaves, which pulls water through the plant.

  4. What is translocation?

    Show answer

    The transport of sucrose around the plant in the phloem.

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