The wood is actually a.........

Options

A. Primary xylem
B. Primary phloem
C. Secondary xylem
D. Secondary Phloem

Answer

To solve the question "The wood is actually a.........", we need to analyze the options provided and understand the nature of wood in plants.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Wood**:
- Wood is primarily found in trees and shrubs and is a significant part of their structure. It provides support and is involved in the transport of water and nutrients.

2. **Types of Plant Growth**:
- Plants undergo two types of growth: primary and secondary.
- Primary growth occurs at the tips of roots and stems, leading to an increase in length.
- Secondary growth occurs in the girth of the plant, which is primarily seen in dicots.

3. **Meristems Involved**:
- The lateral meristems responsible for secondary growth are the vascular cambium and cork cambium.
- The vascular cambium is crucial for the formation of secondary xylem and phloem.

4. **Identifying Wood**:
- Wood is specifically formed from secondary xylem. As the plant grows, the vascular cambium produces new layers of xylem, which accumulate and form what we recognize as wood.
- The older xylem may become filled with substances that prevent water conduction, but the new xylem continues to function in water transport.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the above understanding, the correct answer to the question "The wood is actually a........." is **C. secondary xylem**.