View source for Symplast



[[Image:Apoplast and symplast pathways.GIF|right|frame|100px|The Apoplast and Symplast Pathways]]
The '''symplast''' of a [[plant]] is the inner side of the [[plasma membrane]] in which water (and low molecular [[Solution|solutes]]) can freely [[diffusion|diffuse]]. 

The [[plasmodesmata]] allow the direct flow of small molecules such as sugars, amino acids and ions between cells. Larger molecules can also be transported through with the help of [[actin]] structures. 

This allows direct [[cytoplasm]] to cytoplasm flow of water and other nutrients allow concentration gradients. It is particularly used in the root systems to bring in nutrients from soil. It moves these solutes from [[epidermis (botany)|epidermis]] cells through the [[cortex (botany)|cortex]] into the [[endodermis]] and eventually the [[pericycle]] where it can be moved into the [[xylem]] for long distance transport.
It is contrasted with the [[apoplast]]ic flow which uses cell wall transport.
==See also==
*[[Apoplast]]
*[[Plant sap]]
*[[Tonoplast]]

{{botany-stub}}

[[Category:Plant anatomy]]

[[de:Symplast]]
[[fr:Symplasme]]
[[pl:Symplast]]
[[pt:Simplasto]]
[[ru:Симпласт]]

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