A Level Biology Practice Exam

What is translocation in plants primarily responsible for?

1. Movement of water through roots

2. Movement of organic solutes in the phloem

3. Absorption of sunlight

4. Photosynthesis

The correct answer is: Movement of organic solutes in the phloem

Translocation in plants is primarily responsible for the movement of organic solutes, such as sugars, in the phloem. This process is vital for distributing the products of photosynthesis, mainly glucose, produced in the leaves to other parts of the plant where they are needed for growth, storage, and energy production. Translocation ensures that the plant can efficiently use the energy and carbon compounds produced in the leaves and transport these essential nutrients to non-photosynthetic tissues, including roots, fruits, and developing leaves. This function is crucial for maintaining the plant's overall health and vitality, particularly during growth periods or when environmental conditions vary. The other options relate to different processes in plant biology. Water movement through roots pertains to a separate mechanism involving the xylem, while absorption of sunlight and photosynthesis are interconnected processes that occur primarily in the chloroplasts of green tissues, converting light energy into chemical energy, but do not directly describe the movement of nutrients throughout the plant. Thus, the primary role of translocation is accurately captured by the movement of organic solutes in the phloem.