6.10 - Translocation

Question 1

What is translocation?

Answer 1

Translocation is the movement of food substances (such as sucrose) made in the leaves up or down the phloem, for use immediately or storage.

Question 2

In which part of the plant does translocation occur?

Answer 2

Translocation only occurs in the phloem, not the xylem or any other tissues in the plant.

Question 3

What are sources and sinks in translocation?

Answer 3

Sources are the places where food substances like sucrose are made, and sinks are the places where they are used or stored.

Question 4

How can the location of sources and sinks change?

Answer 4

The location of the sources and sinks can depend on the season. For example, in spring the source could be located in the root, and the sink in the leaf - and in summer this could be the other way around.