Phloem is the vascular tissue responsible for the transport of sugars and other metabolic products downward from the leaves. It plays a crucial role in the distribution of nutrients throughout seedless vascular plants.
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Phloem consists of sieve elements, companion cells, phloem fibers, and phloem parenchyma.
It transports organic nutrients, primarily sucrose, to various parts of the plant.
Phloem works alongside xylem to facilitate nutrient distribution and structural support within plants.
Unlike xylem, which only moves water one way (upward), phloem can transport substances in multiple directions.
In seedless vascular plants like ferns and horsetails, phloem is essential for survival as it distributes nutrients from photosynthetic tissues.