The chief function of vessels in the plant body is to:

Options

A. Eliminate excess of water
B. Transport food materials manufactured in the leaves to other parts of the plant
C. Store food material in the form of starch or fa
D. Conduct water and mineral salts

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Vessels in Plants:**
- Vessels are specialized structures found in the xylem tissue of plants. They play a crucial role in the transport system of the plant.

2. **Identifying Functions of Vessels:**
- The primary function of vessels is to conduct water and dissolved minerals from the roots to various parts of the plant. This is essential for the plant's growth and survival.

3. **Evaluating Other Functions:**
- The other options provided in the question include:
- Elimination of excess water: This is not a function of vessels; it's related to guttation, which occurs in leaves.
- Transporting food material: This function is performed by phloem, not vessels.
- Storing food material: Storage of food, such as starch or fat, is mainly done in the endodermis, not in vessels.

4. **Conclusion:**
- After evaluating the options, the chief function of vessels in the plant body is to conduct water and mineral salts. Therefore, the correct answer is that vessels are primarily responsible for the conduction of water and minerals throughout the plant.

**Final Answer:**
The chief function of vessels in the plant body is to conduct water and mineral salts.

---