Question

When an oak tree is kept in a poisonous solution, water rises to the top of the tree, although the tree is ready to take another supply of poisonous solution followed by uptake of even pure water. This shows that

• A. Living cells are not involved in ascent of sap.
• B. Living cells play a major role is ascent of sap.
• C. Both xylem and phloem play a major role in ascent of sap.
• D. Living cells play 60% role and vessels of xylem play 40% roles in ascent of sap.

Answer 1

The correct option is A Living cells are not involved in ascent of sap.

Ascent of sap occurs through non living xylem tracheids and vessels. The force responsible for pull of water to great heights is the transpiration pull. The properties of adhesion, cohesion and capillarity helps in ascent of sap through non living tracheids and vessels.