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Phloem and Sugar Transport

Phloem 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.

Glucose Transporters

Glucose Transporters

Glucose transporters facilitate the transport of glucose across the cell membrane. In addition to glucose, some glucose transporters can also aid the movement of other hexoses such as fructose, mannose, and galactose.
Facilitated diffusion-glucose transporters (GLUTs) are encoded by the solute-linked carrier (SLC) family 2, subfamily A gene family, or SLC2A. The 14 GLUT protein members are distributed into three classes:

Glucose Absorption Into the Small Intestine

Glucose Absorption Into the Small Intestine

Complex carbohydrates consumed cannot be absorbed into the small intestine in their original form. First, they must be hydrolyzed to a monosaccharide form such as glucose or galactose. These monosaccharides are then transported across the intestinal membrane and into the blood via transcellular transport. The intestinal epithelial cells allow the movement of these monosaccharides with a defined 'entry' through membrane transporter proteins present on their apical membrane and...

Short-distance Transport of Resources

Short-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.

Secondary Active Transport

Secondary Active Transport

One example of how cells use the energy contained in electrochemical gradients is demonstrated by glucose transport into cells. The ion vital to this process is sodium (Na+), which is typically present in higher concentrations extracellularly than in the cytosol. Such a concentration difference is due, in part, to the action of an enzyme "pump" embedded in the cellular membrane that actively expels Na+ from a cell. Importantly, as this pump contributes to the high concentration of...

Secondary Active Transport

Secondary Active Transport

One example of how cells use the energy contained in electrochemical gradients is demonstrated by glucose transport into cells. The ion vital to this process is sodium (Na+), which is typically present in higher concentrations extracellularly than in the cytosol. Such a concentration difference is due, in part, to the action of an enzyme “pump” embedded in the cellular membrane that actively expels Na+ from a cell. Importantly, as this pump contributes to the high concentration of...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 10, 2026

An Induction System for Clustered Stomata by Sugar Solution Immersion Treatment in Arabidopsis thaliana Seedlings

An Induction System for Clustered Stomata by Sugar Solution Immersion Treatment in Arabidopsis thaliana Seedlings

Published on: February 15, 2019

Sucrose Transporter Localization and Function in Phloem Unloading in Developing Stems.

Ricky J Milne^1,2,3,4, Jai M Perroux^1,2,3,4, Anne L Rae^1,2,3,4

¹School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia (R.J.M., C.E.O., J.W.P., C.P.L.G.).

Plant Physiology

|December 18, 2016

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Sorghum bicolor sucrose transporters (SUTs) SbSUT1 and SbSUT5 play key roles in phloem unloading and sucrose storage in developing stems. Their localization and transport properties reveal distinct functions in sucrose movement and accumulation.

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Last Updated: Mar 10, 2026

An Induction System for Clustered Stomata by Sugar Solution Immersion Treatment in Arabidopsis thaliana Seedlings

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Published on: February 15, 2019

Shootward Movement of CFDA Tracer Loaded in the Bottom Sink Tissues of Arabidopsis

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Published on: May 11, 2019

Collection and Analysis of Arabidopsis Phloem Exudates Using the EDTA-facilitated Method

Collection and Analysis of Arabidopsis Phloem Exudates Using the EDTA-facilitated Method

Published on: October 23, 2013

Area of Science:

Plant Biology
Molecular Biology
Biochemistry

Background:

Sucrose transporters (SUTs) are crucial for phloem unloading, but their regulation in monocot stems, especially in high-sucrose-storing species like Sorghum bicolor, remains unclear.
Understanding SUT function is vital for comprehending plant carbon allocation and storage mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

To characterize the transport properties and in planta localization of Sorghum bicolor sucrose transporters SbSUT1 and SbSUT5.
To elucidate the roles of SbSUTs in regulating phloem unloading and sucrose accumulation during stem development.

Main Methods:

Heterologous expression of SbSUT1 and SbSUT5 in yeast and Xenopus laevis oocytes to determine transport kinetics and substrate specificity.
Immunolocalization studies to assess the cellular and subcellular distribution of SbSUTs in Sorghum bicolor stem internodes at different developmental stages.

Main Results:

SbSUT1 and SbSUT5 are plasma membrane-localized, exhibiting high sucrose selectivity and affinity, with SbSUT1's affinity being pH and membrane potential-dependent, while SbSUT5's is largely independent.
SbSUT4, localized to the tonoplast, showed no detectable sucrose transport in oocytes.
SUTs were localized to sieve elements and storage parenchyma cells, with SbSUT1 and SbSUT5 accumulating sucrose in parenchyma during stem elongation.

Conclusions:

SbSUT1 and SbSUT5 mediate sucrose unloading and accumulation in storage parenchyma, potentially transitioning to sucrose retrieval into metaphloem sieve elements as the stem matures.
The findings suggest a dynamic regulation of sucrose transport and unloading pathways involving SbSUTs during Sorghum bicolor stem development.