After two years of secondary growth the cortex in a dicot root

Options

A. Remains intact
B. Completely sloughed off
C. Is largely lost
D. is converted into cork

Answer

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

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Dicot Root Structure**:
- The dicot root has several layers, including the epidermis, cortex, vascular tissue (xylem and phloem), and the vascular cambium. The cortex is primarily responsible for storage and the uptake of water and minerals.

2. **Secondary Growth Process**:
- Secondary growth in dicot roots occurs due to the activity of the vascular cambium, which produces secondary xylem (wood) and secondary phloem. This growth leads to an increase in the girth of the root.

3. **Impact of Secondary Growth on Cortex**:
- As the secondary xylem and phloem expand, they exert pressure on surrounding tissues. The epidermis also expands due to this growth. This expansion causes the cortex to be pushed outward.

4. **Cortex Fate During Secondary Growth**:
- Due to the significant expansion of the vascular tissues and epidermis, the cortex is unable to sustain its structure and is gradually sloughed off. This means that the cortex does not remain intact or largely lost but is completely removed.

5. **Conclusion**:
- After two years of secondary growth in a dicot root, the cortex is completely sloughed off.

### Final Answer:
The cortex in a dicot root after two years of secondary growth is **completely sloughed off**.

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