Answers to Hands-on Pg 2-3

Aim : To carry out bark ringing

Discussion :

1. The stem above the ring swells because organic substances synthesized by the leaves are collected there when they cannot be transported to the stem below the ring. This is because the phloem tissues have been removed from the ring.

2. The leaves are fresh and green because the leaves can still receive water and minerals, which are transported by the xylem tissues from the roots.

3. a) The plant will die.

4. b) Organic substances synthesized by the leaves are not transported to the parts below the ring eg the roots

Conclusion :

The phloem tissue is a continuous tube system from the leaves to the roots of a plant and plays an important role in transporting organic substances synthesized during photosynthesis.