Transport of food material in higher plants takes place through

Options

A. Companion cells
B. Transfusion tissue
C. Tracheids
D. Sieve elements

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks about the transport of food material in higher plants. It is important to identify the specific tissue responsible for this transport.

2. **Identifying the Tissue**: In higher plants, the transport of food, primarily in the form of sugars produced during photosynthesis, occurs through a specialized tissue known as phloem.

3. **Components of Phloem**: The phloem consists of several key components:
- **Sieve Tubes**: These are the main conduits for the transport of food. They are elongated cells that have sieve plates at their ends, which contain pores that allow the flow of sap.
- **Companion Cells**: These are closely associated with sieve tubes and are responsible for supporting the sieve tubes, providing them with necessary substances and helping in the loading and unloading of sugars.

4. **Process of Food Transport**:
- Food is primarily produced in the leaves, specifically in the mesophyll cells during photosynthesis.
- The sugars produced in the mesophyll are then loaded into the sieve tubes of the phloem.
- The movement of food through the phloem is driven by pressure differences, which are created by the active transport of sugars into the sieve tubes, leading to an increase in osmotic pressure.

5. **Role of Xylem**: While the question focuses on the transport of food, it is important to note that xylem plays a complementary role by transporting water and minerals from the roots to the leaves, which are essential for photosynthesis.

6. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that the transport of food material in higher plants takes place through the phloem, specifically via the sieve tubes.

**Final Answer**: The transport of food material in higher plants takes place through phloem.

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