Which of the following are considered sinks in a plant?

In the context of plant physiology, sinks refer to parts of the plant that utilize or store energy, particularly in the form of carbohydrates. The function of sinks is to draw resources away from sources, such as leaves where photosynthesis occurs, hence playing a crucial role in the plant's overall growth and development.

Buds, new leaves, root tips, and storage organs are all actively involved in growth or energy storage. Buds represent areas where potential new growth will emerge, using carbohydrates and nutrients for development. New leaves are sites of photosynthesis and growth, but as they develop, they also become significant sinks as they need resources to establish. Root tips actively engage in nutrient and water uptake, while storage organs are specifically designed to store energy, making them important sinks for carbohydrates during periods of growth or dormancy.

This understanding of sinks is essential for effectively managing plant growth and agricultural practices, including herbicide application, because it affects how plants will respond to treatment in different parts of their structure. The other choices include components that may not consistently function as sinks or may serve multiple roles, which makes them less suitable in the context of defining specific sinks in a plant.