Question

Which is the living component of xylem?
A) Tracheids
B) Xylem fibres
C) Xylem Parenchyma
D) trachea

Answer 1

Hint: Xylem is the complex tissue present in plants. Its function is to transport water and nutrients from the roots to the plants.

Complete answer:
To answer this question, we must know the structure of Xylem.
>Xylem is a complex tissue present in the plant. Its chief function is to transport water and nutrients from the roots to the stem and different parts of the plant. It is made up of 4 kinds of cells.
>Tracheids- These are tubular dead cells with tapering ends. Its function is transportation of water and minerals.
>Vessels- They are dead cells and lack protoplasm. They provide mechanical support to the plants.
>Xylem Parenchyma- These are the only living cells which store starch and fat. They help in transport of water to short distances.
>Fibres- These are dead cells with walls rich in lignin. They also provide mechanical support to the plants.
The fourth option given is trachea. It is found in animals. It is a tube-like structure connecting the larynx to bronchi in the lungs.

                       

Additional Information: Xylem parenchyma has a thin cell wall rich in cellulose. They have a prominent nucleus, protoplasm and large vacuole. The parenchyma cells give rise to contact cells. The main function of xylem parenchyma is storage of water, starch, fats and proteins. It also helps in gaseous exchange.
Thus, the correct answer is (C) Xylem parenchyma. It is the only living component of the xylem.

Note: Xylem is the complex tissue in plants whose function is to transport water and nutrients from roots to all parts of the plants. Xylem parenchyma is the only living component of the xylem tissue which stores starch and fat.