Question

The chief function of vessels in the plant body is
A. To translocate food material
B. To conduct water and material salts
C. To support living cells
D. All of the above

Answer 1

Vessels are the water conducting tissue of the plants. They are characteristic of angiosperms and are absent in gymnosperms. The presence of vessels is considered to be the major evolutionary innovation in the higher plants. Processes such as absorption and conduction occur in the vessel system. Non vascular plants possess simpler water conducting tissues.

Complete answer:
● Vessels are the principal water-conducting cells in angiosperms.
● They are longitudinal channels composed of perforated cells.
● They are modified tracheids in which they lose their primary membranes and provide direct connections for the transport of water.
● Xylem is a vascular tissue that aids in the transport of water and minerals from the root to the top of the plant.
● It is found along with phloem in all vascular plants.
● It consists of tracheids and vessel members. Tracheids are less specialized vessel members and are present only in gymnosperms.
● Plants need water for photosynthesis, transpiration, and for mechanical function. The water is absorbed by the roots from the soil and is transported throughout the plant. The water is absorbed by the process of osmosis.
● The chief function of vessels in the plant body is to conduct water and mineral salts.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B).

Additional information:
The meristematic cells are the mother cells for xylem as the procambial cells for xylem develop from it. The origin of xylem is of two types: Primary xylem originates from procambium whereas secondary xylem is derived from the initials of cambium.

Note: The root hair zone is the most efficient region of water absorption as they are specialized for it. The root hairs automatically absorb water and minerals via osmosis. These tissues are responsible for supporting the plant and also aid in the storage and transport of water and nutrients from the organs of synthesis to target organs.