Question

What is the fate of primary xylem in a dicot root showing extensive secondary growth?

• A. It is retained in the centre of the axis
• B. It gets crushed
• C. May or may not get crushed
• D. It gets surrounded by primary phloem

Answer 1

The correct option is A It is retained in the centre of the axis

During the secondary growth of the dicot root:

1. The cells of cambium strips produced towards inner side differentiate into secondary xylem elements and those produced towards outside differentiate into secondary pholem.

2. The primary remains its original position in the center of the axis but the primary phloem is pushed towards outer side and crushed.

So, the correct answer is 'It is retained in the center of the axis'.