Which one of the following statements is correct?

Xylem is a complex vascular tissue responsible for the conduction of water and minerals. It is composed of four distinct cell types: tracheids, vessels, xylem parenchyma, and xylem fibres [1][3]. Tracheids and vessels are the primary conducting elements, while xylem fibres provide structural support and xylem parenchyma serves for storage. Option 2 is incorrect because flexibility in plants is primarily attributed to collenchyma, whereas sclerenchyma provides rigidity and mechanical strength. Option 3 is incorrect as parenchyma cells typically have thin walls and prominent intercellular spaces for gas exchange and storage. Option 4 is incorrect because sieve plates, sieve tubes, and companion cells are characteristic components of phloem, not xylem [1]. Phloem is specialized for the translocation of organic nutrients like sucrose from leaves to other plant parts [1].

Sources

1. [1] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/plant-tissue
2. [3] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Life Processes > Transport of food and other substances > p. 96