Advanced Science Primary 5 Systems

Sara removed the outer ring of a stem from a plant, leaving the inner core intact. After a week, the part of the stem above the cut swelled up. Why did this happen?

A The food-carrying tubes were removed, causing food to accumulate above the cut.
B The plant absorbed too much water from the soil.
C The water-carrying tubes were removed, causing water to accumulate above the cut.
D The inner core produced more food for the plant.
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Worked Solution

Step 1: The outer ring of the stem contains the food-carrying tubes (phloem). Step 2: Food made in the leaves moves downwards to the rest of the plant. Step 3: Removing the outer ring breaks this path, causing food to accumulate and swell the stem above the cut.

Correct answer: The food-carrying tubes were removed, causing food to accumulate above the cut.

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