Question

Gymnosperms are also called as 'softwood spermatophytes', as they lack
A. Xylem vessels
B. Thick-walled tracheids
C. Cambium
D. Phloem fibres

Answer 1

Hint: The xylem and phloem, which are plants' primary transport systems, make up vascular tissue. They are found in vascular bundles in all plant organs, passing via roots, stems, and leaves. The xylem is in charge of transporting water and dissolved ions from the roots to the top of the plant. Secondary growth of vascular tissues increases the girth of plants and makes them woody.

Complete solution:
Let us solve this question by analyzing each of the options.
Option:A - The xylem is made up entirely of vessels. These are most commonly seen in blooming plants (angiosperms), but not in gymnosperms like conifers. The key characteristic that distinguishes angiosperm hardwood from conifer softwood is vessel components. Gymnosperms are sometimes known as softwood spermatophytes', due to their absence of thick-walled vessels, which makes them softwood.
So, Option:A is correct.
Option:B - Gymnosperm tracheids are thick walled and provide strength to wood. Thus, it does not make gymnosperms softwood spermatophytes.
Thus, Option:B is incorrect.
Option:C – In Gymnosperms cambium is found in the structures of root and stem and is responsible for secondary growth.
Thus, Option:C is incorrect.
Option:D – Phloem fibres in gymnosperms have sieve cells which therefore do not make them softwood.
So, Option:D is also incorrect.

Hence, option A. Xylem vessels is the correct answer.

Note:
Angiosperms, or hardwoods, have a more complicated structure of wood fibre. The water-conducting cells, capillaries or pores, and tracheids, as well as more or less thick-walled and tightly-packed wood fibre cells, which are absent in softwoods, are the major distinguishing features. Water-conducting cells in the form of tracheids and medullary rays make up the majority of softwoods.