Standard Science Primary 5 Systems

A ring of bark was removed from a stem, effectively removing the food-carrying tubes but leaving the water-carrying tubes intact. What will happen after one week?

A The leaves will wilt immediately.
B The plant will die within a day.
C The part of the stem above the ring will swell.
D The roots will grow faster.
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Worked Solution

Step 1: Phloem (food-carrying tubes) are in the outer bark; Xylem (water-carrying) are in the inner stem. Step 2: Food made in leaves cannot travel past the ring to the roots. Step 3: Food accumulates above the ring, causing a swelling.

Correct answer: The part of the stem above the ring will swell.

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