Given below are two statements: Statement I: The first formed primary xylem elements are called metaxylem and the later formed primary xylem elements are called protoxylem. Statement II: In stems, the protoxylem lies towards the centre (pith) and the metaxylem lies towards the periphery of the organ. In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Step-by-step solution

Statement I is incorrect because the first formed primary xylem elements are called protoxylem and the later formed primary xylem elements are called metaxylem. Statement II is correct because in stems, the protoxylem lies towards the centre (pith) and the metaxylem lies towards the periphery of the organ. This condition is known as endarch. Therefore, Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct. Answer: Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct