What is the characteristics of a vascular bundle of monocot stem -

Options

A. Open and surrounded by a selerenchymatous bundle sheath
B. Closed and not surrounded by bundle sheath
C. Closed and surrounded by bundle sheath
D. Open and not surrounded by a bundle sheath

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Definition of Vascular Bundle**:
- A vascular bundle is a part of the transport system in vascular plants. It consists of xylem and phloem, which are responsible for the transport of water, nutrients, and food.

2. **Characteristics of Monocot Stems**:
- Monocot stems have several distinct characteristics that differentiate them from dicot stems.

3. **Hollow Stems**:
- Monocot stems are typically hollow, which is a unique feature compared to many dicots.

4. **Closed Vascular Bundles**:
- The vascular bundles in monocots are classified as closed bundles. This means they do not have a cambium layer, which is responsible for secondary growth in dicots.

5. **Collateral Vascular Bundles**:
- Monocots usually have collateral vascular bundles. This means that the xylem and phloem are located side by side within the same bundle.

6. **Enclosed by Bundle Sheath**:
- The vascular bundles in monocots are surrounded by a bundle sheath made up of parenchyma cells. This sheath provides support and protection to the vascular tissues.

7. **Location of Vascular Bundles**:
- In monocot stems, the vascular bundles are typically located near the outer edge of the stem, which is different from dicots where they are arranged in a ring.

8. **Absence of Pith**:
- Monocot stems do not have a pith region, which is commonly found in dicot stems.

9. **Conclusion**:
- The main characteristics of vascular bundles in monocot stems are that they are closed and surrounded by a bundle sheath.

### Final Answer:
The characteristics of a vascular bundle of a monocot stem are that they are closed and surrounded by a bundle sheath.

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