Question

Identify the incorrect statement.

• A. Heart wood does not conduct water but gives mechanical support
• B. Sapwood is involved in conduction of water and minerals from root to leaf
• C. Sapwood is the innermost secondary xylem and is lighter in colour
• D. Due to deposition of tannins, resins, oils etc., heart wood is dark in colour

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The question requires identifying the incorrect statement regarding heartwood and sapwood in plants. Let's examine each option:

1. Option A: Heart wood does not conduct water but gives mechanical support
   • Heartwood is the central, non-living part of a tree trunk that provides structural support to the tree. It is used as a storage for waste products and does not conduct water. This statement is correct.
2. Option B: Sapwood is involved in conduction of water and minerals from root to leaf
   • Sapwood is the outer, living layers of the tree, actively involved in conducting water and minerals from the roots to the leaves through the xylem. This statement is correct.
3. Option C: Sapwood is the innermost secondary xylem and is lighter in colour
   • This statement is incorrect. Sapwood is not the innermost secondary xylem; it actually surrounds the heartwood and is lighter in color compared to heartwood. The innermost xylem is typically the heartwood itself, which is older and darker due to the accumulation of substances.
4. Option D: Due to deposition of tannins, resins, oils etc., heart wood is dark in colour
   • Heartwood is darker in color because it accumulates chemical substances like tannins, resins, and oils over time. This statement is correct.

Based on the analysis above, the incorrect statement is Option C: "Sapwood is the innermost secondary xylem and is lighter in color". Sapwood is lighter in color and is located on the outer layers surrounding the heartwood, but it is not the innermost secondary xylem.