Question

Assertion (A): Xylem transports water and minerals from roots to other parts of the plant.
Reason (R): Xylem vessels have sieve plates that facilitate transport.

• A. A and R are correct. R is the correct explanation of A
• B. A and R are correct. R is not the correct explanation of A
• C. A is correct but R is incorrect
• D. A is incorrect but R is correct

Hint:

Xylem conducts water and minerals using dead cells like tracheids and vessels (without sieve plates). Phloem uses living cells with sieve plates for food conduction.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Evaluate the Assertion (A). 
Xylem transports water and dissolved minerals from the roots to aerial parts of the plant. 
This function is carried out mainly by tracheids and vessels, which are dead cells. 
Hence, Assertion (A) is correct. 
Step 2: Evaluate the Reason (R). 
Sieve plates are not present in xylem. 
Sieve plates are characteristic of phloem sieve tube elements, which transport food (not water). 
Xylem vessels have pits, not sieve plates. 
Therefore, Reason (R) is incorrect.
Step 3: Final Evaluation. 
A is correct but R is incorrect. Hence, option (3) is correct.