Which of the following statements are the functions of a medullary ray in plants ?
(i) storage of food
(ii) secondary growth
(iii) transmission of water and food
(iv) seat of origin of inter-fascicular cambium

Options

A. i, ii and iii
B. i, ii and iv
C. ii, iii and iv
D. only i and iii

Answer

To determine the functions of a medullary ray in plants, we will analyze each of the given statements one by one.

1. **Storage of food**: Medullary rays are composed of parenchyma cells, which are known for their storage capabilities. Therefore, they can indeed function in the storage of food.

2. **Secondary growth**: Medullary rays play a role in secondary growth. They are involved in the formation of secondary xylem and phloem, which are essential for the thickening of stems and roots in plants.

3. **Transmission of water and food**: This function is primarily associated with xylem and phloem. Medullary rays themselves do not directly transmit water and food; rather, they serve as a connection between the xylem and phloem.

4. **Seat of origin of inter-fascicular cambium**: Medullary rays are indeed the regions where inter-fascicular cambium originates. This cambium is responsible for secondary growth in dicot plants.

Based on the analysis:
- (i) Storage of food: True
- (ii) Secondary growth: True
- (iii) Transmission of water and food: False
- (iv) Seat of origin of inter-fascicular cambium: True

Thus, the correct functions of a medullary ray are (i), (ii), and (iv).

**Final Answer**: The functions of a medullary ray in plants are (i) storage of food, (ii) secondary growth, and (iv) seat of origin of inter-fascicular cambium.

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