- A It is sometimes mistakenly thought to produce mainly secondary phloem outwardly, with little inward xylem production
- B It produces secondary xylem (wood) inwardly and secondary phloem outwardly, increasing girth
- C It is sometimes mistakenly thought to produce mainly cork cells outward, replacing the epidermis each season
- D It is sometimes mistakenly thought to produce a largely new layer of epidermis to replace the damaged outer surface
Correct answer: B. It produces secondary xylem (wood) inwardly and secondary phloem outwardly, increasing girth
Explanation: The vascular cambium is a lateral meristem that produces secondary xylem (wood) toward the interior and secondary phloem toward the exterior. Annual rings in wood represent seasonal variation in secondary xylem production.
Concept context
Internal tissue organisation: meristems, permanent tissues (xylem, phloem, parenchyma), and secondary growth. Frequently tested in NEET.