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protophloem

Advanced (C1/C2)

IPA: //ˌproʊtəˈfloʊɛm//

KK: /proʊtəˌfloʊɛm/

noun
Definition

The initial type of phloem tissue that develops from the procambium, characterized by thin-walled cells and typically found in areas of active growth.


Example

During the early stages of plant development, protophloem plays a crucial role in transporting nutrients.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard of protophloem in plants?
Sloth B
Yeah, isn't it the first type of phloem that forms?
Sloth A
Exactly! It's associated with areas where the plant is growing quickly.
Sloth B
That's really interesting — I love learning about plant biology!

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
phloem
tissue
cell
Antonyms
xylem
dead
inactive
Root Explanation

Protophloem is formed from "proto-" (meaning first or primary) and "phloem" (from Greek "phloios", meaning bark). The term refers to the first-formed phloem tissue in plants, which is responsible for transporting nutrients and sugars.

Memory Tip

Think of 'proto-' meaning first, and 'phloem' relating to the bark of a plant — this helps you remember that protophloem is the first layer of tissue responsible for nutrient transport.

Visually Confused Words
prophloem
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