Question

Identify the incorrect statement.

• A. Heart wood does not conduct water but gives mechanical support
• B. Sapwood is involved in conduction of water and minerals from root to leaf
• C. Sapwood is the innermost secondary xylem and is lighter in colour
• D. Due to deposition of tannins, resins, oils etc., heart wood is dark in colour

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

To determine the incorrect statement related to sapwood and heartwood, let's understand these terms in the context of tree anatomy:

1. Heartwood: Heartwood is the central, thicker part of a tree trunk. It is older, non-living wood that no longer participates in the conduction of water; its primary function is to provide structural support. Its dark color is due to the deposition of tannins, oils, resins, and other substances that help resist decay. Thus, the statement "Heart wood does not conduct water but gives mechanical support" is correct.
2. Sapwood: Sapwood is the outer, younger, living part of the wood that actively conducts water and minerals from the roots to the rest of the tree. It is typically lighter in color compared to heartwood. It lies outside the heartwood and is positioned nearer to the bark.

Now, let's evaluate the given options:

• The option stating "Heart wood does not conduct water but gives mechanical support" is correct because heartwood provides mechanical support but does not conduct water.
• The option "Sapwood is involved in conduction of water and minerals from root to leaf" is also correct as sapwood is actively involved in transporting water and nutrients.
• The option "Sapwood is the innermost secondary xylem and is lighter in colour" is incorrect. Sapwood is not the innermost but the outermost part of the secondary xylem. It is correct that sapwood is lighter in color.
• The statement "Due to deposition of tannins, resins, oils etc., heart wood is dark in colour" is correct since these substances are what give heartwood its darker coloration.

Therefore, the statement "Sapwood is the innermost secondary xylem and is lighter in colour" is the incorrect one as it inaccurately describes the position of sapwood.