Translocation
/ˌtrænzloʊˈkeɪʃən/
Definition
Translocation describes the movement of organic nutrients and other dissolved substances from one part of a plant to another, mainly through the phloem. It typically carries sugars made in leaves to growing shoots, roots, fruits, or storage organs. Unlike water transport in xylem, which moves mostly upward, translocation can move in different directions between source tissues, where sugars are produced or released, and sink tissues, where they are used or stored.
Role in Plant Biology
- Phloem transport: In most plants, translocation moves sugars made in leaves through the phloem, the food-conducting tissue, to roots, fruits, seeds, and growing shoots that depend on a steady energy supply.
- Source-to-sink movement: Its direction changes with need. A mature leaf can export carbohydrates, while a developing fruit, root tip, or young leaf acts as a strong sink that draws in resources.
- Links growth and storage: Translocation helps plants shift reserves between seasons. Stored carbohydrates in roots, bulbs, or stems can be sent to new shoots during spring growth before many leaves are fully active.
- Affected by stress and damage: Drought, nutrient imbalance, cold, or phloem injury can disrupt translocation. When movement slows, plants may show weak growth, poor fruit fill, or reduced root development even if leaves remain present.
Related Terms
Phloem
Phloem is the plant vascular tissue that transports sugars and other organic nutrients made during photosynthesis from…
Xylem
Xylem is the plant vascular tissue that carries water and dissolved minerals from the roots to stems and leaves. It…
Vascular tissue
Vascular tissue is the plant transport system, made of xylem and phloem. Xylem carries water and dissolved minerals…
Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is the biological process in which plants, algae, and some bacteria use light energy to convert carbon…
Respiration
Respiration is the metabolic process in plant cells that breaks down sugars, usually using oxygen, to release usable…
Leaf
Leaf refers to a plant organ, usually flat and green, that grows from the stem or a branch and is specialized for…
Root
Root refers to the plant organ, usually below ground, that anchors the plant and absorbs water and dissolved minerals…
Stem
Stem refers to the main aboveground plant structure that supports leaves, buds, flowers, and fruits, and connects them…