Which cell type in the xylem tissue possesses protoplasts and remains living at functional maturity, functioning primarily in carbohydrate storage and radial water conduction?

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. Xylem parenchyma

  1. Step 1: Xylem is a complex permanent conducting tissue composed of four primary cell types in angiosperms: tracheids, vessels, xylem fibers, and xylem parenchyma.
  2. Step 2: Tracheids, vessels, and fibers develop thick lignified secondary walls and undergo programmed cell death, becoming completely dead and hollow at maturity.
  3. Step 3: Xylem parenchyma is the only living cell component of xylem; its cells retain a living nucleus and cytoplasm, storing starch, fats, and tannins, while ray parenchyma conducts water radially.
Answer
Xylem parenchyma
Why not the others: 'Tracheids' are dead lignified tracheary elements with bordered pits; 'Vessel elements' are dead syncytial tubes with perforated end walls; 'Xylem fibers' are dead, heavily thickened mechanical sclerenchyma cells.

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