Which of the following is the function of heartwood?

Options

A. a) Mechanical support
B. b) Radial conduction of water and minerals
C. c) Lateral conduction of food
D. d) Minimise water loss in water stress

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understand the Question**: The question asks about the function of heartwood. Heartwood is the inner part of a tree trunk, which is distinct from sapwood.

2. **Identify the Components**:
- **Heartwood**: The inner part of the wood, made up of dead cells. It is darker in color and more aromatic than sapwood.
- **Sapwood**: The outer layer of wood that is living and actively participates in the transport of water and nutrients.

3. **Examine the Options**:
- **Option A: Mechanical support**: This suggests that heartwood provides structural strength to the tree.
- **Option B: Radial conduction of water and minerals**: This function is typically associated with sapwood, not heartwood.
- **Option C: Lateral conduction of food**: This is also a function of living tissues, primarily in the phloem, not heartwood.
- **Option D: Minimize water loss in water stress**: This is not a primary function of heartwood.

4. **Analyze the Functions of Heartwood**:
- Heartwood is known for its mechanical strength, which supports the tree structurally.
- It is resistant to decay and less penetrable by preservatives due to its composition of dead cells.

5. **Select the Correct Answer**: Based on the analysis, the correct function of heartwood is **mechanical support**. Therefore, the answer is **Option A**.

6. **Conclusion**: The function of heartwood is primarily to provide mechanical support to the tree.

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