Suppose the phloem of a seed plant is damaged and does not function properly.

How will this most directly affect the plant?

Answer:The might likely die.

Explanation:

Phloem and xylem tissues are the major conducting tissues in plant. Xylem conduct (transports) water and minerals salts from the soil through the roots to all parts of the plant while phloem conducts manufactured food from the leaves to other parts of the plant.

Now, if the phloem of a seed plant is damaged and not functioning well, the manufactured food will not get to other parts of the plant where it is needed or supposed to be stored.

If the plant is no longer getting these nutrients, its growth and development will be affected. It might lead to the death of the plant.