Understanding:
• Plants transport organic compounds from sources to sinks
Translocation is the movement of organic compounds (e.g. sugars, amino acids) from sources to sinks
- The source is where the organic compounds are synthesised – this is the photosynthetic tissues (leaves)
- The sink is where the compounds are delivered to for use or storage – this includes roots, fruits and seeds
Organic compounds are transported from sources to sinks via a vascular tube system called the phloem
- Sugars are principally transported as sucrose (disaccharide), because it is soluble but metabolically inert
- The nutrient-rich, viscous fluid of the phloem is called plant sap
Active Translocation