Answer: The phloem in the bark.
- A The outer cuticle
- B The apical bud
- C The root cap
- D The phloem in the bark
Correct answer: D. The phloem in the bark
Explanation: Girdling removes the bark's phloem, stopping downward transport of food to the roots, which eventually starve.
Concept context
Internal tissue organisation: meristems, permanent tissues (xylem, phloem, parenchyma), and secondary growth. Frequently tested in NEET.