How organic molecules move inside the plants?

[HOW ORGANIC MOLECULES MOVE INSIDE THE PLANTS?] April 13, 2013 Definition: The best-supported theory to explain the movement of food through the phloem for the translocation of sugars from source to sink is called the pressure flow hypothesis. (*This theory was proposed by Ernst Munch, a German plant physiologist in 1930. Theory:According to Munch's hpothesis, the sieve tubes are connected to one another by means of cytoplasmic connections, forming a continuous system called symplast. The symplast is impermeable on the outerface. Mass flow of solutes as per this hypothesis is as follows. A very high concentration of nutrients is present in the mesophyll cells due to two reasons:-

Water is transpired continuously from the mesophyll cells. Food is continuously synthesised. Solutes are actively loaded into the phloem thus increasing their osmotic potential.

This increased potential draws water from the xylem vessels by means of osmosis. A hydrostatic pressure is built up in the sieve tubes. In the cells of the root, food material is continuously utilized reducing their osmotic potential as well turgor pressure. Thus a turgor Pressure gradient is established resulting in the mass flow of solution from supply end (leaf) to consumption end (root). At the consumption end water diffuses into the xylem to be transported up to the leaves. Thus a circulatory system is established.

Usman Khan Lodhi | Chenab College Jhang

[HOW ORGANIC MOLECULES MOVE INSIDE THE PLANTS?] April 13, 2013

Explanation:A high concentration of organic substance inside cells of the phloem at a source, such as a leaf, creates a diffusion gradient that draws water into the cells. Movement occurs by bulk flow; phloem sap moves from sugar sources to sugar sinks by means of turgor pressure. A sugar source is any part of the plant that is producing or releasing sugar.

Usman Khan Lodhi | Chenab College Jhang