After two or three years of secondary growth the cortex in dicot roots

Options

A. Remains intact
B. Is completely sloughed away
C. Is largely lost
D. Is converted into cork

Answer

To answer the question regarding the state of the cortex in dicot roots after two or three years of secondary growth, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Cortex in Dicot Roots**:
- The cortex in dicot roots is primarily made up of parenchyma cells, which are thin-walled and spaciously arranged. This tissue is responsible for storage and transport functions.

**Hint**: Recall the structure and function of the cortex in dicot roots.

2. **Secondary Growth in Dicot Roots**:
- Secondary growth refers to the increase in thickness of the plant due to the activity of the vascular cambium, which produces secondary xylem (wood) and secondary phloem.

**Hint**: Think about how secondary growth affects the overall structure of the root.

3. **Impact of Secondary Growth on the Cortex**:
- As the vascular cambium produces new xylem and phloem, the increasing girth of these tissues exerts pressure on the outer layers of the root. This pressure can lead to the cortex being pushed outward.

**Hint**: Consider what happens to the outer layers of the root as new tissues are formed.

4. **Cortex After Several Years**:
- After two or three years of secondary growth, the cortex may not be able to withstand the pressure from the expanding vascular tissues. As a result, it may be largely lost or sloughed away.

**Hint**: Reflect on the fate of tissues that are subjected to pressure from expanding inner tissues.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the understanding of secondary growth and its effects on the cortex, the correct answer to the question is that the cortex in dicot roots is largely lost after two or three years of secondary growth.

**Final Answer**: The cortex in dicot roots is largely lost after two or three years of secondary growth.