Given below are two statements: Statement I : In roots, the protoxylem lies towards the periphery and metaxylem lies towards the centre, representing an exarch arrangement. Statement II : Xylem parenchyma is the only dead component of the xylem tissue, whereas tracheids, vessels and xylem fibres are living. In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Step-by-step solution

Statement I is true because in roots, the protoxylem is located towards the periphery and the metaxylem lies towards the centre. This type of primary xylem arrangement is called exarch. Statement II is false because xylem parenchyma is the only living component of the xylem tissue. Tracheids, vessels, and xylem fibres are dead components as they lack protoplasm at maturity. Therefore, Statement I is true but Statement II is false. Answer: Statement I is true but Statement II is false