The extensions of pith cells that are involved in radial conduction of food and water are

Options

A. conjunctive tissues
B. transfusion tissues
C. medullary rays
D. trichomes

Answer

**Step-by-Step Text Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks about the extensions of pith cells that are involved in the radial conduction of food and water in plants.

2. **Identifying Relevant Tissues**: In plants, particularly in dicot stems, there are various types of tissues that facilitate the conduction of substances. The main tissues involved in this process are the vascular tissues (xylem and phloem) and the parenchyma.

3. **Defining Medullary Rays**: The extensions of pith cells that are crucial for the radial conduction of food and water are known as medullary rays. These are strips of parenchyma that lie between the vascular bundles in the stem.

4. **Function of Medullary Rays**: Medullary rays serve as a conduit for the movement of water and nutrients between the pith (the central part of the stem) and the vascular bundles (which contain xylem and phloem). They also facilitate the exchange of gases.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the extensions of pith cells involved in the radial conduction of food and water are the **medullary rays**.

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