Explanation:
Correct Answer: D. Xylem

To understand why xylem is the correct answer, let's break down what each tissue does and why support and water conduction point us directly to xylem.

Xylem (D) – Correct Answer

- Function:
- Water conduction: Xylem is the primary tissue responsible for transporting water and dissolved minerals from the roots to the leaves and other parts of the plant.
- Support: It contains lignified cell walls that provide mechanical strength and support to the plant.

- Types of xylem cells:
- Tracheids and vessel elements (for conduction)
- Fibres and xylem parenchyma (for support and storage)


Other Options:

A. Parenchyma
- Function: Storage, photosynthesis, and healing
- It’s a living tissue and doesn’t provide significant support or water conduction.

B. Collenchyma
- Function: Support in young, growing stems and leaves
- Offers flexible support, but does not conduct water.

C. Sclerenchyma
- Function: Support due to thick, lignified walls
- It provides rigid support, but it does not conduct water. Often dead at maturity.

E. Phloem
- Function: Transport of organic nutrients (mainly sugars from photosynthesis)
- It’s involved in food conduction, not water.


- Xylem = Water + Support
- Other tissues may offer support or storage, but none combine both support and water conduction like xylem does.