Which one of the following vascular tissues is responsible for the translocation of food from leaves to other parts of the plant?

The correct option is

Phloem

Explanation

Vascular plants possess a specialized transport system comprising two complex permanent tissues: xylem and phloem. These tissues facilitate the movement of water, minerals, and organic nutrients throughout the plant body.

Option Analysis:

• Xylem is incorrect: Xylem is responsible for the transport of water and dissolved minerals from the roots to the stems and leaves. This movement is generally unidirectional (upward).
• Phloem is correct: Phloem is the vascular tissue responsible for the translocation of food (primarily sucrose and other photosynthates) prepared in the leaves to other parts of the plant, such as roots, growing tips, and storage organs. This transport is bidirectional (both upward and downward).
• Root hair is incorrect: Root hairs are unicellular elongations of the epidermal cells of the roots. Their primary function is to increase the surface area for the absorption of water and minerals from the soil, not to translocate food.
• Stomata is incorrect: Stomata are minute pores found primarily on the epidermis of leaves. They regulate gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide) and facilitate transpiration (water loss), but they are not involved in the internal transport of food.

Key Takeaway: In vascular plants, Xylem transports water and minerals, while Phloem translocates organic food materials (photosynthates).