Which substance requires energy for transportation in plants?

Correct option is C

The correct answer is option (c) Sucrose.

Explanation

Sucrose requires energy for transportation in plants, particularly during the process of phloem transport. Sucrose, a form of carbohydrate, is transported through the phloem from the source (such as leaves, where it is produced during photosynthesis) to the sink (such as roots, stems, or fruits, where it is stored or used for growth).

The active transport of sucrose in the phloem requires energy in the form of ATP to move the sucrose against its concentration gradient.

Information Booster

• Water is transported through the plant via xylem, and this process is mainly passive, driven by capillary action, transpiration, and osmosis, so it does not require energy.

• Minerals are absorbed through the roots via active or passive transport, depending on the concentration gradient. Some mineral uptake (such as potassium and nitrates) requires energy, but it's not as significant as the energy required for sucrose transport.

• Starch is stored in plants and is not actively transported. It is converted into sugars like sucrose before being transported.

Additional Knowledge

Explaining the other options:

1. Water: The movement of water in plants through xylem does not require energy. It moves through passive processes like transpiration and osmosis.

2. Minerals: The movement of minerals generally occurs through root absorption. While certain minerals do require energy for active uptake (such as potassium or phosphate), it is not as energy-intensive as sucrose transportation.

3. Starch: Starch is stored in plant cells and does not require active transport. When plants need energy, starch is broken down into simpler sugars, like sucrose, which then requires active transport.