What is the role of phloem in plants?

The role of phloem in plants is to transport nutrients produced during photosynthesis, primarily in the form of sugars like glucose, from the leaves where photosynthesis occurs to other parts of the plant, including stems, roots, and fruits. This process is vital for distributing the energy-rich compounds necessary for growth and development throughout the plant.

Phloem is part of the vascular system, which also includes xylem, responsible for transporting water and minerals. While the storage of glucose can occur in other parts of the plant, such as in the fruit or roots, it is not the primary function of phloem itself. Additionally, supporting the plant structure is mainly the role of other tissues, such as sclerenchyma or collenchyma, rather than phloem. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the key function of phloem in the overall physiological processes of a plant.