Some ideas I've heard -
Sucrose is a non-reducing sugar, in contrast to glucose and others
Cells have many enzymes that can react with glucose (thus causing its
modification or loss en route) whereas invertase is the principal
enzyme that could react with sucrose. So, as long as the
transporting cells don't have invertase, the sucrose can be moved
intact.
I'd be interested in any explanations as to why some plants transport
larger molecules such as raffinose.
>Dear Plant-edders,
>>Is there a good reason why plants transport sugars as SUCROSE in phloem?
>>What properties of sucrose make it most suitable as a substance for
>transport of sugar/energy?
>>Why would glucose or maltose not be suitable?
>>I have this belief that natural selection usually comes up with the most
>efficient solution to the problem.
>>John Hewitson
>>>>Dr. John Hewitson
>Science and Plants for Schools (SAPS)
>Homerton College
>Cambridge CB2 2PH UK
>email: hom-saps at lists.cam.ac.uk>Tel: +44 (0)1223 507168
>Fax: +44 (0)1223 215004
>web site: http://www-saps.plantsci.cam.ac.uk>>---
---
