Question

Which of the following is likely to cause an interruption of water transport in the xylem?

	a.	None of these options: water is primarily transported in the phloem.
	b.	death of xylem cells
	c.	hydrogen bonding between water molecules and the xylem cell walls
	d.	the absence of a Casparian strip
	e.	air bubbles forming in the xylem

Answer 1

Option E

First option is incorrect because water is transported by xylem and sugar are transported by phloem.

Second option is incorrect because xylem cells are already dead and the transportation of water molecules is the function of dead xylem cells only.

Third option is incorrect because hydrogen bonding between water molecules and xylem cell helps in the transportation of water across xylem elements. This is called as adhesion. Cohesion is the hydrogen bonding between water molecules with one another and it is also important for the transportation of water from roots to the aerial parts of the plant through xylem vessels.

Fourth option is incorrect because the presence of casparian strip will interrupt the transportation of water and absence will lead to an efficient transport of water.

Last option is incorrect because presence of air bubble will lead to the destruction of hydrogen bonding with and water molecules and between water and xylem elements.

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