What happens to primary xylem and primary phloem during secondary growth?

Options

A. They got separated far apart
B. They get lost
C. they develop pits
D. They developed thickenings

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Primary Xylem and Phloem**:
- Primary xylem and phloem are the first vascular tissues formed during the primary growth of a plant. Xylem is responsible for water and mineral transport, while phloem transports food.

2. **Introduction to Secondary Growth**:
- Secondary growth occurs in dicotyledonous plants and is primarily due to the activity of the vascular cambium, which is a lateral meristem. This growth increases the thickness of the plant.

3. **Position of Primary Xylem and Phloem**:
- In a dicot stem, primary xylem is located towards the center (inner side) and primary phloem is located towards the outside (outer side) of the vascular bundle. In roots, the arrangement is different but the principle remains the same.

4. **Role of Vascular Cambium**:
- The vascular cambium divides to produce secondary xylem (wood) towards the inside and secondary phloem towards the outside. This division is periclinal, meaning it occurs parallel to the surface.

5. **Separation of Primary Xylem and Phloem**:
- As secondary growth occurs, the newly formed secondary xylem and phloem push the primary xylem and phloem further apart. This results in an increased distance between the two.

6. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, during secondary growth, the primary xylem and primary phloem get separated or move farther apart from each other.

### Final Answer:
During secondary growth, the primary xylem and primary phloem get separated or move farther apart from each other.

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