Which tissue provides mechanical support to the young dicot stem and petiole of a leaf ?

Options

A. Parenchyma
B. Sclerenchyma
C. Collenchyma
D. Phloem

Answer

To answer the question "Which tissue provides mechanical support to the young dicot stem and petiole of a leaf?", we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Question**: We need to identify the type of tissue that offers mechanical support specifically to the young dicot stem and the petiole of a leaf.

2. **Identifying the Options**: The options provided are:
- Parenchyma
- Sclerenchyma
- Collenchyma
- Phloem

3. **Analyzing Each Tissue Type**:
- **Parenchyma**: This tissue is primarily involved in storage and photosynthesis. It does not provide significant mechanical support.
- **Sclerenchyma**: This tissue provides strong mechanical support but is typically found in mature tissues and is composed of dead cells. It is not predominant in young stems and petioles.
- **Collenchyma**: This tissue is specifically known for providing mechanical support to young, growing parts of the plant. It consists of living cells with unevenly thickened cell walls, which allows flexibility and support.
- **Phloem**: This tissue is responsible for the transport of nutrients and does not provide mechanical support.

4. **Conclusion**: Based on the analysis, the tissue that provides mechanical support to the young dicot stem and petiole of a leaf is **Collenchyma**.

5. **Final Answer**: The correct answer is **Collenchyma**.