Vascular bundles in the stem of Cucurbita or Lagenaria are

Options

A. Collateral
B. Bicollateral
C. Radial
D. Inverted

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Vascular Bundles**: Vascular bundles are arrangements of xylem and phloem in plants that facilitate the transport of water, nutrients, and food. They can be categorized based on their arrangement and the presence or absence of cambium.

2. **Types of Vascular Bundles**: There are several types of vascular bundles:
- **Collateral**: Xylem and phloem are arranged side by side. They can be further classified into:
- **Open**: Contains a cambium layer between xylem and phloem.
- **Closed**: No cambium layer present.
- **Bicollateral**: Xylem is present in the center with phloem on both sides, separated by cambium layers.
- **Radial**: Xylem and phloem are arranged in an alternate manner, typically found in roots.

3. **Vascular Bundles in Cucurbita and Lagenaria**: In the stems of Cucurbita (pumpkin) and Lagenaria (bottle gourd), the vascular bundles are classified as bicollateral. This means that there is xylem in the center, with phloem located on both sides, separated by cambium layers.

4. **Conclusion**: Based on the classification of vascular bundles, the correct answer to the question is that the vascular bundles in the stem of Cucurbita or Lagenaria are **bicollateral** (Option B).

---