Gymnosperm wood is soft as it

Options

A. Lacks cambium
B. Lacks vessels
C. Does not yield timber
D. None of the above

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Gymnosperms**: Gymnosperms are a group of seed-producing plants that include conifers. They are often referred to as "softwood" due to the characteristics of their wood.

2. **Absence of Cambium**: One of the key reasons gymnosperm wood is classified as softwood is the absence of cambium. Cambium is a layer of tissue that contributes to the growth of the plant's diameter and is involved in the formation of secondary xylem and phloem. The lack of cambium means that gymnosperms do not produce the dense and hard wood associated with angiosperms (hardwoods).

3. **Structure of Xylem**: In gymnosperms, the xylem primarily consists of tracheids, which are long, thin cells that help in water conduction and provide structural support. The walls of these tracheids are relatively thin compared to the vessels found in angiosperms.

4. **Tracheids vs. Vessels**: Gymnosperms have a higher number of tracheids and lack vessels entirely. Vessels are wider and allow for more efficient water transport, which is why angiosperms (which have both vessels and tracheids) tend to have denser and harder wood.

5. **Water Conduction**: The combination of having fewer vessels and more tracheids means that gymnosperms are not as efficient in conducting water. This inefficiency contributes to the softer nature of their wood.

6. **Conclusion**: Therefore, gymnosperm wood is classified as softwood because it has a lower density of xylem fibers, lacks vessels, and relies heavily on tracheids for water conduction, which results in a softer texture compared to hardwoods from angiosperms.

---