Phloem in plants is responsible for which of the following?

Phloem is a specialized type of tissue in vascular plants primarily responsible for the transport of nutrients, specifically organic food, throughout the plant. This process is crucial for the growth and development of the plant because it distributes the sugars produced during photosynthesis from the leaves to other non-photosynthetic parts such as roots, stems, and developing fruits. In contrast, the other options refer to functions performed by different plant structures or systems. For example, water transport is handled by xylem, while absorption of nutrients occurs mainly through the roots, and structural support is provided by various tissues including the collenchyma and sclerenchyma. Understanding the unique role of phloem helps clarify its importance in maintaining plant health and supporting its metabolic processes.