In the spring, stored sugars in root or stem tissues may be transported to buds that require energy for growth. This directional movement of materials within the phloem allows plants to allocate resources according to their current metabolic demands, supporting processes such as bud growth during active growth periods.
Provide an example of how translocation in the phloem responds to the plant’s seasonal needs.
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An example of how translocation in the phloem responds to seasonal needs is the winter dormancy of deciduous trees. In autumn, deciduous trees transport nutrients, particularly sugars, from leaves (source tissues) to the roots (sink tissues) in preparation for winter. As days shorten and temperatures drop, chlorophyll production decreases, leading to leaf senescence. During this process, the phloem translocates nutrients to storage organs, ensuring a reservoir of resources for the plant during the winter months when photosynthesis is minimal. This adaptive translocation supports the tree’s survival and allows for the efficient allocation of nutrients throughout the changing seasons.