OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

What role do companion cells play for sieve tubes?

1. They carry leftover nutrients

2. They support sieve cells living functions

3. They transport water

4. They provide structural integrity

The correct answer is: They support sieve cells living functions

Companion cells play a crucial role in supporting the functions of sieve tube elements, which are responsible for the transport of organic nutrients like sugars throughout a plant. Sieve tube elements lack a nucleus and are therefore unable to carry out functions essential for their survival, such as protein synthesis. Companion cells are closely associated with them and retain their nuclei and other organelles, allowing them to perform metabolic functions that aid the sieve tubes. These companion cells help in loading and unloading sugars into the sieve tube elements, ensuring that the sieve tubes can efficiently move nutrients from source tissues (like leaves) to sink tissues (such as roots or growing parts of the plant). This relationship is vital for the overall health and productivity of the plant, as it ensures that every part of the plant receives the necessary nutrients for growth and development.