Read the following statements regarding the components of phloem: I. Gymnosperms have albuminous cells and sieve cells but lack sieve tubes and companion cells. II. A mature sieve tube element possesses a peripheral cytoplasm and a large vacuole but lacks a nucleus. III. Phloem parenchyma is generally present in most of the monocotyledons. IV. Phloem fibres are made up of sclerenchymatous cells and are generally abse

Step-by-step solution

Statement I is correct. Gymnosperms lack sieve tubes and companion cells; instead, they have sieve cells and albuminous cells. Statement II is correct. A mature sieve tube element has peripheral cytoplasm and a large vacuole but lacks a nucleus. Its functions are controlled by the nucleus of the associated companion cell. Statement III is incorrect. Phloem parenchyma is generally absent in most monocotyledons. Statement IV is correct. Phloem fibres (bast fibres) are made up of sclerenchymatous cells. They are gener