Multiple choice

If all the tissues of a plant, to a certain point, are removed, except the xylem which is left intact,

  1. the whole plant will die at the same time

  2. the leaves will wilt

  3. the stem will die first

  4. the root will die first
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

When all tissues except xylem are removed, the root will die first. This is because roots depend on energy (ATP) from photosynthesis occurring in leaves, which requires phloem for sugar transport. Without phloem, roots cannot receive the organic nutrients needed to sustain cellular respiration and growth. Leaves and stem may survive temporarily on stored nutrients, but roots are most distant from these reserves.

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