Question

Assertion. In angiosperms, the conduction of water is more efficient because their xylem has vessels.
Reason. Conduction of water by vessel elements is an active process with energy supplied by xylem parenchyma rich in mitochondria.

Answer 1

The assertion is correct but the reason is incorrect.

Xylem vessels conduct better than the tracheids elements of xylem as they are connected adjacently through perforations. The movement of water through xylem is not active but passive which is caused to transpiration pull. The root pressure is positive whereas the shoot region has negative pressure due to Transpiration. Hence water flows in accordance with its pressure gradient.