AP Biology : Understanding Xylem and Phloem

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Biology

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Example Questions

Example Question #31 : Plant Structures

Which of the following is true?

Possible Answers:

Phloem transports water and nutrients, and does not have nuclei, ribosomes, and vacuoles at maturity

Xylem transports water and nutrients, and does not have nuclei, ribosomes, and vacuoles at maturity

Phloem transports sugars, and dies at maturity

Xylem transports sugars, and dies at maturity

Xylem transports water and nutrients, and dies at maturity

Correct answer:

Xylem transports water and nutrients, and dies at maturity

Explanation:

Xylem are water-conducting cells that transport water and nutrients. They die at maturity and leave behind secondary walls. Phloem transports sugars through sieve-tube elements, but do not have nuclei, ribosomes, and vacuoles. However, phloem remains alive at maturity. 

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