Which of the following best describes the role of phloem in plants?

The role of phloem in plants is primarily to transport food, specifically the products of photosynthesis, from the leaves where they are produced to other parts of the plant that require energy, such as the roots and growing tissues. This transport is essential for the plant’s growth and development, as it ensures that all parts of the plant receive the necessary nutrients for processes like growth, respiration, and storage.

Phloem is composed of specialized cells that facilitate this movement of sugars and other organic compounds. The process by which this transport occurs is called translocation, and it happens both upwards and downwards in the plant, ensuring that energy is distributed effectively wherever it is needed.

In contrast, other options describe functions that are associated with different plant tissues. For instance, the transport of water from the roots to the leaves is facilitated by xylem, not phloem. Structural support is provided mainly by the plant's cell walls and structures like lignified xylem, rather than phloem. Lastly, the regulation of water loss is primarily managed by structures called stomata in the leaves, which control transpiration, not through the phloem itself.