Question

Phloem performs the function of
A) Conduction of water
B) Conduction of food
C) Photosynthesis
D) Mechanical support

Answer 1

In plants there are two kinds of conducting tissues - Xylem and phloem which help in conduction of various materials. Phloem is made up of living cells and they are made up of sieve tubes.

Complete answer:
Let us analyse the options and find the correct answer.
Option A: Xylem is the specialised tissue of vascular plants that transports water and we got confused because it also transports soluble nutrients from the plant. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.
Option B: Phloem is the vascular tissue in charge of transport and distribution of the organic nutrients. Sieve tube of phloem cells helps to transport to leaves and diffusion also to stem . Therefore, this is the correct option.
Option C: As we all know that the photosynthesis occurs in chloroplast in the presence of carbon dioxide , water and sunlight. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.
Option D: The cell wall of parenchyma, collenchyma and sclerenchyma provides mechanical support to the plant. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.

Thus, the correct answer is option (B) conduction of food.

Note: Please do not get confused between the functions of phloem and xylem.
i) Phloem - It helps in transport of food from the leaves to the various parts of the plants, provides structural strength and it also provides a pathway for signalling molecules.
ii) Xylem - It helps in transport of water and nutrients and it also provides mechanical support.