Standard Science Primary 5 Systems

Siti removed a ring of bark from a plant stem, which included the food-carrying tubes but left the water-carrying tubes intact. After a week, she noticed a swelling above the ringed part. Why did this happen?

A The roots could not absorb water.
B Water could not reach the leaves.
C Food made in the leaves could not reach the roots.
D The plant could not perform photosynthesis.
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Worked Solution

Step 1: Identify that the food-carrying tubes (phloem) are in the bark layer. Step 2: Food is made in leaves and transported downwards. Step 3: Removing phloem stops downward transport, causing food to accumulate above the ring, resulting in swelling.

Correct answer: Food made in the leaves could not reach the roots.

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