If the xylem of a plant is mechanically blocked, which of the followin

If the xylem of a plant is mechanically blocked, which of the following functions of the plant will be affected?

[amp_mcq option1=”Transport of water only” option2=”Transport of water and solutes” option3=”Transport of solutes only” option4=”Transport of gases” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2018
The correct answer is B) Transport of water and solutes.
Xylem is the primary tissue in vascular plants responsible for transporting water and dissolved mineral nutrients (solutes) from the roots upwards to the rest of the plant, including the leaves. If the xylem is mechanically blocked, this upward movement of both water and solutes will be significantly impaired.
Phloem is another vascular tissue responsible for transporting sugars (produced during photosynthesis) from the leaves to other parts of the plant. Gases are primarily exchanged through stomata on leaves and lenticels on stems, not transported through xylem or phloem in bulk flow. Therefore, blocking xylem specifically affects water and mineral transport.
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