What are the physiological functions of the source and sink cells
Source cells and sink cells are terms used to refer to different types of cells in plants that are involved in the transportation of carbohydrates and other molecules.
1. Source Cells: These are the cells or tissues in plants where photosynthesis occurs and carbohydrates are produced. The physiological functions of source cells include:
- Photosynthesis: Source cells contain chloroplasts where sunlight is captured to produce carbohydrates like glucose through photosynthesis.
- Carbohydrate production: Source cells convert the energy from sunlight into chemical energy in the form of carbohydrates. These carbohydrates, primarily glucose, are synthesized from carbon dioxide and water.
2. Sink Cells: These are the cells or tissues in plants where carbohydrates are required or stored. The physiological functions of sink cells include:
- Carbohydrate utilization: Sink cells utilize the carbohydrates produced by the source cells for various functions such as energy production, cell division, growth, and development.
- Carbohydrate storage: In some cases, sink cells store excess carbohydrates for future use. Examples include storage organs like roots, tubers, bulbs, and fruits that accumulate starch or sugars for long-term storage.
Overall, source cells are responsible for synthesizing carbohydrates, primarily through photosynthesis, while sink cells utilize these carbohydrates for growth, development, and storage. The transportation of carbohydrates between source cells and sink cells is facilitated by the vascular tissues in plants, such as the phloem.