Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026
09:38
Collection and Analysis of Arabidopsis Phloem Exudates Using the EDTA-facilitated Method
Published on: October 23, 2013
[Phloem, transport between organs and long-distance signalling]
1Laboratoire de biologie cellulaire, UR501, institut Jean-Pierre-Bourgin, Inra, F-78026 Versailles cedex, France. dinant@versailles.inra.fr
Comptes Rendus Biologies
|May 13, 2008
Summary
Phloem transports carbohydrates and signals long-distance. Recent discoveries reveal its role in moving macromolecules, influencing plant development and adaptation.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Plant Physiology
Context:
- Phloem is crucial for distributing sugars and metabolites within plants.
- Understanding phloem transport is key to plant growth and response.
- Specific transporters for sucrose and polyols are known.
Purpose:
- To review recent findings on phloem transport mechanisms.
- To highlight the role of phloem in long-distance signaling.
- To update knowledge on phloem's function in plant coordination.
Summary:
- Phloem facilitates carbohydrate partitioning and redistribution of metabolites like amino acids and hormones.
- It is involved in the long-distance translocation of macromolecules, including proteins and RNA.
- This review focuses on recent advances in phloem transport and signaling.
Impact:
- Advances understanding of plant development and adaptation processes.
- Identifies phloem as a critical long-distance signaling pathway.
- Provides insights into molecular mechanisms of nutrient and signal transport.
Related Concept Videos
02:02Phloem and Sugar Transport
Like many living organisms, plants have tissues that specialize in specific plant functions. For example, shoots are well adapted to rapid growth, while roots are structured to acquire resources efficiently. However, sugar production is primarily restricted to the photosynthetic cells that reside in the leaves of angiosperm plants. Sugar and other resources are transported from photosynthetic tissues to other specialized tissues by a process called translocation.
02:12Short-distance Transport of Resources
Short-distance transport refers to transport that occurs over a distance of just 2-3 cells, crossing the plasma membrane in the process. Small uncharged molecules, such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water, can diffuse across the plasma membrane on their own. In contrast, ions and larger molecules require the assistance of transport proteins due to their charge or size. Transport across membranes also occurs within individual cells, playing a variety of essential roles for the plant as a whole.
01:46The Apoplast and Symplast
Plant growth depends on its ability to take up water and dissolved minerals from the soil. The root system of every plant is equipped with the necessary tissues to facilitate the entry of water and solutes. The plant tissues involved in the transport of water and minerals have two major compartments - the apoplast and the symplast. The apoplast includes everything outside the plasma membrane of living cells and consists of cell walls, extracellular spaces, xylem, phloem, and tracheids. The...
02:03Xylem and Transpiration-driven Transport of Resources
The xylem of vascular plants distributes water and dissolved minerals that are taken up by the roots to the rest of the plant. The cells that transport xylem sap are dead upon maturity, and the movement of xylem sap is a passive process.
02:32Plasmodesmata
The organs in a multicellular organism’s body are made up of tissues formed by cells. To work together cohesively, cells must communicate. One way that cells communicate is through direct contact with other cells. The points of contact that connect adjacent cells are called intercellular junctions.Intercellular junctions are a feature of fungal, plant, and animal cells alike. However, different types of junctions are found in different kinds of cells. Intercellular junctions found in animal...
01:20Plasmodesmata
In a multicellular organism, cells must communicate to work together in a coordinated manner. One way that cells communicate is through direct contact with other cells. The points of contact that connect adjacent cells are called intercellular junctions.
Intercellular junctions are a feature of fungal, plant, and animal cells. However, different types of junctions are found in different kinds of cells. Intercellular junctions found in animal cells include tight junctions, gap junctions, and...
Intercellular junctions are a feature of fungal, plant, and animal cells. However, different types of junctions are found in different kinds of cells. Intercellular junctions found in animal cells include tight junctions, gap junctions, and...