What is the main function of phloem in plants?

The main function of phloem in plants is to transport food, primarily in the form of sugars produced during photosynthesis, from the leaves where photosynthesis occurs to other parts of the plant, such as roots and growing tissues. This process is crucial for the plant's overall growth and energy distribution, as it allows for the efficient use of the sugars created in the leaves to support cellular respiration and growth throughout the plant. The transport of these nutrients occurs through a process called translocation, which involves the movement of the sap in the phloem vascular tissue.

In contrast, the other options describe functions associated with different plant structures or processes. For instance, the transportation of water from the roots to the leaves is primarily the role of xylem, not phloem. Nutrient storage is typically carried out by specialized tissues and organs, such as tubers or seeds. Finally, providing structural support is mainly the function of the plant's cell walls, particularly those of sclerenchyma and collenchyma cells, rather than phloem.