Question

Function of the cork cambium is to produce –
A) Secondary xylem and secondary phloem
B) Cork and secondary cortex
C) Secondary phloem and Secondary cortex
D) Cork

Answer 1

Hint:Cork cambium represents a lateral meristem that is responsible for producing secondary growth thereby replacing the epidermal tissues in roots and stems.

Complete answer:
Option A: Secondary xylem and secondary phloem are produced by the vascular cambium. This vascular cambium lies in between the primary xylem and primary phloem. While the secondary xylem grows towards the cambium, the secondary phloem grows outwards from cambium. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.
Option B: The cork cambium is responsible for the production of the cork layers. These cork layers are produced in the outer cortex region.
The cork cambium is also responsible for the production of the secondary cortex which are commonly known as phelloderm. These phelloderms arise from the inner walls of the cork cambiums. Therefore, this is the correct option.
Option C: During secondary growth, the vascular cambium produces the secondary phloem while the secondary cortex is produced by the cork cambium. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.
Option D: Cork cambium is responsible for the production of the cork layers which are usually found in the outer cortex region. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.

Thus, the correct option for the given question is Option B i.e. Cork and Secondary cortex.

Note:The cork cambium is evident in woody or herbaceous plants, some varieties of gymnosperms and monocots.