Question

In an old tree, water is conducted through
A. Heartwood
B. Hardwood
C. Sapwood
D. Softwood

Answer 1

Hint: The process of movement of water salts upwards by xylem and food in downward and upward directions by phloem is known as conduction. Old trees are ancient trees that have reached a great age in comparison with others of the same species. Tree is a plant that has a permanently woody main stem and grows to a considerable length.

Complete answer:Two kinds of woods are shown by perennial, old, woody trees; they are heartwood and sapwood. Heartwood is formed by the central darker, hard and tough region. Due to the formation of tyloses in the vessels, the conduction function is stopped. Thus the mechanical function is carried out by the heartwood. The outer portion of the trunk (sapwood) is softer and lighter in color comparatively. The function of water conduction through the vessels is carried out by the outer part of the trunk (sapwood). Heartwood acts as long term storage of biochemicals. Hardwood is durable, expensive, and low sap content wood. Softwood is a major source of all timber and is commonly used for construction purposes.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C).

Additional information:
Sapwood is the outer part of the branch or limb. Sapwood is very moist. Sapwood is the living portion of a tree where water and sap flow. It strengthens the stem and also acts as a storage reservoir for food.

Note: In an old tree, sapwood conducts water through its vessels. It is a younger living, physiologically active portion of wood and lighter in color. Sapwood lies in between the inner bark and the heartwood. It contains the sap conducting cells. Sapwood has a high moisture content which is good for the living tree. Sapwood is much more susceptible to decay and staining by fungi. Through sapwood water and minerals moves from the roots to the leaves where food is stored.