Sieve Plates - GCSE Biology Definition

Sieve plates are found within the phloem tissue of plant transport systems. They are located at the end walls of sieve tube elements (specialised cells in the phloem). These plates contain many small pores that allow sugars and other nutrients, such as sucrose, to pass from one cell to the next. This movement of substances, called translocation, helps transport the products of photosynthesis from the leaves to other parts of the plant for growth and storage. Sieve plates play a key role in ensuring that food is effectively distributed throughout the plant.