What is the primary function of the phloem in plants?

The primary function of the phloem in plants is to transport sugars and nutrients that are produced during photosynthesis. Phloem tissues are responsible for moving these organic compounds from the leaves, where photosynthesis occurs, to various parts of the plant, including roots, stems, and fruits. This transportation is essential for providing energy to non-photosynthetic tissues and facilitating growth and development throughout the plant.

While water transport is primarily the role of xylem, structural support is provided by various tissues including sclerenchyma and collenchyma. Absorbing sunlight is a function carried out by chlorophyll in the leaves, which is part of the photosynthetic process, not the phloem. Thus, the focus on the role of phloem in distributing photosynthetic products clearly identifies it as the key player in the plant’s nutrient transport system.