The Xylem in plants is responsible for transporting:

1. A

   Water

   Option (a) claims that xylem is responsible for transporting water in plants. This is the correct option because xylem tissue forms a continuous pipeline network from roots to leaves specifically for upward conduction of water and dissolved minerals, making it the official key.

2. B

   Amino Acid

   Option (b) claims that xylem transports amino acids. This is incorrect because amino acids and other organic nutrients are primarily transported through the phloem tissue, not the xylem.

3. C

   Oxygen

   Option (c) claims that xylem is responsible for transporting oxygen. This is incorrect because oxygen gas diffuses through intercellular spaces in plant tissues rather than being actively transported by the xylem vascular system.

4. D

   Food

   Option (d) claims that xylem transports food throughout the plant. This is incorrect because the translocation of food, synthesized during photosynthesis, is the exclusive function of the phloem tissue.

Summary. Official key is (a) Water. The question tests the fundamental biological function of vascular tissues in plants, specifically the role of xylem. While xylem handles water and mineral transport from roots upwards, phloem is responsible for distributing food and organic solutes. Students often confuse the dual transport roles of xylem and phloem. Option (a) accurately identifies the primary and essential function of xylem.