NEET2026BiologyChapterActual
Which of the following anatomical features is characteristic of the vascular bundles in a monocotyledonous stem?
Options
- AThey are arranged in a distinct ring.
- BThe peripheral vascular bundles are generally larger than the centrally located ones.
- CThey possess distinct water-containing cavities.
- DEach bundle is surrounded by a parenchymatous bundle sheath.
Correct answer
C. They possess distinct water-containing cavities.
Step-by-step solution
In a monocotyledonous stem, the vascular bundles are scattered throughout the ground tissue, not arranged in a ring. The peripheral vascular bundles are generally smaller than the centrally located ones. Each vascular bundle is surrounded by a sclerenchymatous bundle sheath, not parenchymatous. A characteristic feature of monocot stem vascular bundles is the presence of distinct water-containing cavities (protoxylem lacunae) formed by the breakdown of protoxylem elements. Answer: They possess distinct water-contain