Question

Albuminous cells occur in
a. Xylem
b. Phloem
c. Cortex
d. Conjunctive parenchyma

Answer 1

Hint: Albuminous cells are specialized parenchyma cells that are found in association with the sieve tube cells of phloem in gymnosperm wood.

Complete Answer:
Albuminous cells are specialized parenchyma cells. They are found in association with the sieve tube cells of phloem in gymnosperm wood. It also contains albumen protein. The role of the albuminous cell is similar to companion cells, but are associated with sieve cells only and are hence found only in seedless vascular plants and gymnosperms.

- Option a: Albuminous cells are found in association with phloem in a gymnosperm. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
- Option b: In phloem, there is no presence of albuminous cells. Therefore, this option is correct.
- Option c: Cortex is a thin-walled parenchymatous region that lies between the endodermis and epidermis. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
- Option d: Conjunctive parenchyma is a type of parenchyma that is present in the root system. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

Additional information: Albuminous cells are a type of parenchyma cells. Parenchyma cells are alive at maturity and they perform functions like storage, photosynthesis. The characteristics of parenchyma cells are,
- They are associated with other types of cells.
- They are very essential for activities like photosynthesis, secretion, respiration, etc.
- They have the capacity of totipotency.

Note: Albuminous cells can be seen after staining with cytoplasmic stains. It is associated physiologically with the sieve cells and are joined by sieve areas.