Question

which statement describes the role of phloem within a plant? a it transports food to all the parts of the plant both upwards and downwards. b it transports water to all the parts of the plant only in the upward direction. c it transports food to all the parts of the plant only in the downward direction. d it transports water to all the parts of the plant both in the upward and downward direction.

Explanation:

To solve this, we recall the function of phloem in plants. Phloem is responsible for transporting food (sugars, organic nutrients) throughout the plant. This transport can occur in both upward (e.g., to new growth areas) and downward (e.g., to roots) directions. Xylem is for water transport (upward).

• Option A: Matches phloem's role (transports food, both directions).
• Option B: Describes xylem (water, upward), not phloem.
• Option C: Phloem can transport food upward too (e.g., to developing buds), so "only downward" is wrong.
• Option D: Water transport (both directions) is not phloem's role; xylem transports water upward.

Answer:

A. It transports food to all the parts of the plant both upwards and downwards.