Chief food conducting cells of phloem in gymnosperm are

Options

A. Sieve cells
B. Sieve tubes
C. Companion cells
D. Sieve tube elements

Answer

To answer the question regarding the chief food conducting cells of phloem in gymnosperms, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Function of Phloem**:
- Phloem is the vascular tissue responsible for the transport of nutrients, particularly the products of photosynthesis (sugars), throughout the plant.

2. **Identify Components of Phloem**:
- Phloem consists of several types of cells, including:
- Sieve tube elements
- Companion cells
- Phloem parenchyma
- Phloem fibers

3. **Differentiate Between Angiosperms and Gymnosperms**:
- Angiosperms (flowering plants) have sieve tube elements and companion cells.
- Gymnosperms (non-flowering plants) lack sieve tube elements and companion cells.

4. **Identify the Chief Conducting Cells in Gymnosperms**:
- In gymnosperms, the primary food conducting cells are called **sieve cells**.
- Sieve cells serve a similar function to sieve tube elements but are structurally different.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the chief food conducting cells of phloem in gymnosperms are **sieve cells**.

### Final Answer:
The chief food conducting cells of phloem in gymnosperms are **sieve cells**.

---