Companion Cells - GCSE Biology Definition

Reviewed by: Lára Marie McIvor

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Companion cells are important parts of plant biology, especially in the transport of nutrients. They are found next to sieve tube elements in the phloem, which is one of the transportation systems in plants. The main job of companion cells is to help sieve tube elements with the transportation of food, like sugars, which are made during photosynthesis in the leaves and need to be moved to other parts of the plant where they are needed or stored. Companion cells have a nucleus and control the activities of the sieve tube elements, which don't have their own nucleus. This teamwork is essential for plants to distribute energy and grow properly.

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Lára Marie McIvor

Reviewer: Lára Marie McIvor

Expertise: Biology, Psychology & Sociology Subject Lead

Lára graduated from Oxford University in Biological Sciences and has now been a science tutor working in the UK for several years. Lára has a particular interest in the area of infectious disease and epidemiology, and enjoys creating original educational materials that develop confidence and facilitate learning.

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