In plants, the source-sink relationship refers to the movement and allocation of

photosynthates (assimilates) between different plant organs or tissues. The source is the
site where assimilates are produced, typically the leaves through photosynthesis, while
the sink is the site where assimilates are utilized or stored, such as growing tissues,
fruits, or storage organs. Here are a few examples of source-sink relationships in plants:
1. Leaf-to-Root Relationship: Leaves are the primary sources of assimilates in
plants. They produce sugars through photosynthesis and act as sources,
supplying these sugars to the growing regions of the plant, including the roots.
The roots, in turn, serve as sinks, utilizing the assimilates for growth, energy,
and nutrient uptake.
2. Leaf-to-Fruit Relationship: In fruiting plants, the leaves act as sources,
producing sugars and other assimilates. These assimilates are transported to the
developing fruits, which serve as strong sinks. The fruit sinks demand a
significant amount of assimilates for fruit growth, development, and ripening.
The allocation of assimilates from leaves to fruits is crucial for fruit quality, size,
and yield.
3. Leaf-to-Storage Organ Relationship: Some plants store excess assimilates in
specialized storage organs such as tubers, bulbs, or rhizomes. The leaves act as
sources, supplying assimilates to these storage organs, which serve as sinks for
storage and future use. For example, in potatoes, the leaves produce sugars,
which are translocated to the underground tubers for starch accumulation and
storage.
4. Leaf-to-Shoot Apical Meristem Relationship: The shoot apical meristem
(SAM) is responsible for the growth and development of new shoots, including
leaves, stems, and flowers. The leaves act as sources, providing assimilates to
the SAM, which acts as a strong sink. The assimilates are utilized for cell
division, elongation, and differentiation, enabling the development of new
shoots.
5. Leaf-to-Root Crop Partitioning: In crop plants, the source-sink relationship
plays a crucial role in determining yield and crop productivity. Efficient
allocation of assimilates from source leaves to sink organs, such as grains, fruits,
or storage organs, is critical. For example, in cereal crops like wheat or rice,
assimilates produced in the leaves are transported to developing grains, which
act as strong sinks. The successful partitioning of assimilates from leaves to
 grains is essential for grain filling and crop yield.
In plants, the terms "source" and "sink" are used to describe specific organs or
tissues involved in the production (source) and utilization or storage (sink) of
photosynthates, primarily carbohydrates. Here are the commonly recognized source
and sink parts of plants:
Sources:
1. Mature Leaves: Mature leaves are considered the primary source of
photosynthates in most plants. They contain chloroplasts and carry out
photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy in the form of
sugars.
2. Green Stems: In some plants, green stems, especially young and actively
growing stems, can act as sources of assimilates. These stems contain
chlorophyll and can photosynthesize, contributing to the production of
carbohydrates.
3. Developing Fruits: During the early stages of fruit development, the fruit itself
can serve as a source of assimilates. This is particularly relevant when the fruit
is in the process of expanding and requires a substantial supply of sugars and
other nutrients.
4. Storage Organs: Certain plants have specialized storage organs, such as bulbs,
tubers, or corms, which act as sources of stored carbohydrates. These storage
organs are formed during the previous growing season or in response to
favorable conditions, and they provide a source of nutrients when needed, such
as during sprouting or regrowth.
Sinks:
1. Roots: Roots are major sinks in plants, especially for storage and uptake of
carbohydrates. They require assimilates for growth, maintenance, and the
synthesis of storage compounds, such as starch or oils.
2. Developing Shoots and Leaves: Growing shoots and young leaves serve as sinks
for assimilates, utilizing carbohydrates for cell division, elongation, and the
synthesis of structural components. These sinks are particularly active during
periods of rapid growth.
3. Developing Fruits and Seeds: Fruits and seeds are strong sinks, demanding a
significant amount of assimilates for their growth, development, and maturation.
Carbohydrates are required for cell division, expansion, and the accumulation
 of storage compounds, such as sugars, starch, or oils.
4. Storage Organs: In plants with specialized storage organs, such as bulbs, tubers,
or corms, these organs can act as sinks for assimilates during the storage phase.
They accumulate and store carbohydrates in the form of starch or other storage
compounds.
The source-sink relationship is dynamic and can change throughout the plant's life
cycle and in response to environmental conditions. Understanding the balance and
coordination between source and sink organs is crucial for optimizing plant growth,
development, and productivity.