Question

The elements of xylem tissue that store tannins are

• A. tracheids
• B. xylem parenchyma
• C. vessels
• D. xylem fibres

Answer 1

The correct option is B xylem parenchyma

Xylem is a conducting tissue that transports water and minerals from the roots to all the parts of the plant. It is a complex tissue and is made up of four different cell types - tracheids, vessels, xylem parenchyma and xylem fibres. Out of the four components, xylem parenchyma is the only living element as it has the protoplasm. It is responsible for storage of food material such as starch or fat. It also stores secondary metabolites such as tannins. Tannins are used as a dye and for clarifying wine and beer. These are also used for tanning of leather.


Tracheids, vessels and fibres are dead elements as they do not have protoplasm at maturity. Tracheids and vessels majorly carry out the conduction of water and minerals in gymnosperms and angiosperms, respectively. Xylem fibres are made up of sclerenchymatous cells and provide strength to tracheids and vessels.