Centripetal xylem is present in

Options

A. dicot stem
B. dicot root
C. monocot stem
D. branches of stem

Answer

To determine where centripetal xylem is present, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Definition of Centripetal Xylem**:
- Centripetal xylem refers to xylem that develops from the outside towards the inside of the plant structure. This means that the xylem grows inward, towards the center.

2. **Identify the Growth Direction**:
- In the case of centripetal xylem, the protoxylem (the first-formed xylem) is located towards the periphery (outer side), while the metaxylem (the later-formed xylem) is situated towards the center.

3. **Recognize the Types of Plants**:
- Centripetal xylem is primarily found in the roots of vascular plants, particularly in dicotyledonous plants (dicots). This is because the xylem in dicot roots typically forms a solid core at the center.

4. **Differentiate Between Plant Structures**:
- It is important to note that xylem is not found in the shoots of dicots but is present in their roots. Therefore, options that refer to dicot stems or monocot stems are incorrect.

5. **Confirm the Characteristics of Dicot Roots**:
- In dicot roots, the xylem plates usually join at the center, forming a structure known as the protostele. The arrangement of xylem in dicot roots is characterized by the exarch condition, where the protoxylem is located at the periphery and the metaxylem is towards the center.

6. **Conclude with the Correct Answer**:
- Based on the above points, the correct answer to the question of where centripetal xylem is present is in the roots of dicotyledonous plants.

### Final Answer:
Centripetal xylem is present in the roots of dicotyledonous plants.