The transverse section of a plant material shows the following anatomical features.
(a) The vascular bundles are conjoint, scattered and surrounded by sclerenchymatous bundle sheaths
(b) Phloem parenchyma is absent.
What will you identify it as?
(1) Dicot stem
(2) Monocot stem
(3) Dicot root
(4) Monocot root

Options

A. Dicot stem
B. Monocot stem
C. Dicot root
D. Monocot root

Answer

To identify the plant material based on the given anatomical features, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Analyze the Features
The question provides two main anatomical features:
1. The vascular bundles are conjoint, scattered, and surrounded by sclerenchymatous bundle sheaths.
2. Phloem parenchyma is absent.

### Step 2: Understand Vascular Bundles
- **Conjoint Vascular Bundles**: These are vascular bundles where xylem and phloem are found together. This is typically seen in monocots.
- **Scattered Vascular Bundles**: In monocots, vascular bundles are scattered throughout the stem rather than arranged in a ring, which is characteristic of dicots.

### Step 3: Identify the Bundle Sheath
- The presence of **sclerenchymatous bundle sheaths** indicates that the vascular bundles are well-protected and supported, which is common in monocots.

### Step 4: Consider the Absence of Phloem Parenchyma
- The absence of phloem parenchyma is a significant characteristic. In monocots, the phloem is often less complex and may lack parenchyma cells.

### Step 5: Eliminate Options
- **Dicot Stem**: Typically has vascular bundles arranged in a ring and usually contains phloem parenchyma.
- **Monocot Root**: Generally does not have scattered vascular bundles.
- **Dicot Root**: Similar to dicot stems, it has a different arrangement of vascular bundles and usually contains phloem parenchyma.

### Step 6: Conclusion
Based on the analysis of the features, the correct identification of the plant material is:
**(2) Monocot stem**