Translocation of food substances in plants takes place through

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks which tissue carries food substances (like sucrose and amino acids) around the plant. This process is called translocation.

Step 2: The concept Plants have two main transport (vascular) tissues:

• Xylem carries water and dissolved mineral salts from the roots upward to the leaves (mainly in one direction).
• Phloem carries manufactured food (mostly sucrose) from the leaves, where photosynthesis occurs, to other parts such as roots, fruits, seeds, and storage organs. This movement can go up or down, and the process is called translocation.

Step 3: Check each option

• A. Collenchyma: a supporting tissue with thickened cell corners, which gives flexibility and strength to young stems and leaves. It does not transport food.
• B. Parenchyma: a general tissue used for storage, photosynthesis, and packing. It stores food but is not the main channel for translocation.
• C. Phloem: made of sieve tubes and companion cells, it is specialized for transporting organic food. This fits.
• D. Sclerenchyma: a dead, lignified tissue for strong support. It does not transport food.
• E. Xylem: it transports water and minerals, not food.

Step 4: Answer Translocation of food substances takes place through the phloem, which is option C.

Exam tip: Remember "PhloEm = Food" and "Xylem = Water". Another trick: Phloem and Products of photosynthesis both start with P. Whenever you see the word "translocation" in a question, think phloem.