Which plant tissue is responsible for growth?

• A. Phloem
• B. Xylem
• C. Cambium
• D. Stolon

Answer: (C)

The cambium is the plant tissue that is primarily responsible for growth. It is a type of meristematic tissue, meaning it contains undifferentiated cells that can divide and differentiate into various types of cells. The cambium is located between the xylem and phloem in the vascular system of plants and facilitates secondary growth, allowing stems and roots to increase in diameter.

This tissue generates new xylem cells on the inside and new phloem cells on the outside, contributing to the plant’s ability to expand and transport nutrients and water effectively. The presence of cambium is critical for the development of woody plants, which must sustain the weight of larger structures and enhance their overall stability.

Other options like phloem and xylem indeed play significant roles in the plant's life: phloem transports food from leaves to other parts of the plant, while xylem transports water and minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant. However, they do not contribute to the growth of new cells. Stolon refers to a horizontal connection between organisms, and it is not a tissue but rather a stem modification that helps some plants propagate vegetatively. Thus, they do not address the need for growth in the way