Companion cells are absent in phloem of

Options

A. angiosperms and bryophytes
B. pteridophytes and gymnosperms
C. angiosperms and gymnosperms
D. bryophytes and angiosperms

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Phloem**: Phloem is a type of vascular tissue in plants responsible for the transport of nutrients, particularly sugars produced through photosynthesis. It consists of various cell types, including sieve tubes and companion cells.

2. **Identifying Companion Cells**: Companion cells are specialized cells that are closely associated with sieve tube elements in the phloem. They play a crucial role in the functioning of sieve tubes, as they contain a nucleus and help in the loading and unloading of sugars.

3. **Presence of Companion Cells**: Companion cells are typically found in the phloem of angiosperms (flowering plants). In these plants, companion cells are present alongside sieve tubes, aiding in their function.

4. **Absence of Companion Cells**: In certain groups of plants, such as gymnosperms (naked-seeded plants) and pteridophytes (ferns and their relatives), companion cells are absent. Instead, these plants have sieve cells, which are more primitive and do not require companion cells for their function.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the correct answer to the question "Companion cells are absent in phloem of" is **gymnosperms and pteridophytes**.

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