Question

Vessels and companion cells are characteristics feature of
a. Gymnosperm
b. Angiosperm
c. Pteridophyta
d. Bryophyta

Answer 1

The most specialized and efficient conducting tissue structure of xylem is called vessel or trachea. It helps in the conduction of water in flowering plants and between the cells of plants. The living cells that are connected to the members of the sieve tube of the phloem are called companion cells. It helps in the flow of nutrients to the plants.

Complete answer:
In angiosperms, the integral component of the phloem is companion cells. The main function of this close association with the development and element of sieve tubes. The vessel is the water-conducting tissues which are mainly present in the angiosperms (flowering plants) whereas in gymnosperms it is absent. The elements of the sieve tube are longitudinally arranged with companion cells and maintain the pressure gradient.

The group of plants that produce seeds and are not contained within an ovary or fruit is called gymnosperms. They are autotrophic and conserve water. For example – conifers, cycads, gnetophytes, etc.

Pteridophytes are the plants that reproduce by spores. In this type of plant seeds are not present. They show true alternation of generations and are vascular plants. It has true root, stem, and leaves. For example – ferns, club-mosses, horsetails.

The plants that live in soil and require water for sexual reproduction is called bryophytes. They are small, non-vascular plants on land. For example – mosses, liverworts, etc.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B).

Note: Thus, angiosperms are characterized by the presence of vessels and companion cells. It is one of the important features of flowering plants and around the plant it carries water. The vessels of xylem are long hollow chains with tough long-dead xylem cells. Water transport is maintained by the xylem part of angiosperms and transport of food is maintained by the phloem part.