Question

The cactus has a specialized fleshy stem and it's leaves function only for protection. Which plant tissues most likely makes up the stem?

Answer 1

The stem is most likely made up of vascular tissues. The main vessels present on vascular tissue are the xylem and phloem. These two tissues work as pipes for the transport of water and nutrients inside the stem. Xylem transports water and some nutrients from the roots. The Phloem transports the soluble organic compounds that were produced during photosynthesis from the leaves, and in the case of the cactus photosynthesis happens on the actual stem, to the rest of the plant.

Answer 2

The correct answer is vascular tissues.

Vascular tissues most likely form the stem. The prime vessels observed on the vascular tissue are the phloem and the xylem. These two tissues function as an element for the conduction of nutrients and water within the stem.

The xylem transports some nutrients and water from the roots, while the phloem transports the soluble organic constituents, which were generated at the time of photosynthesis from the leaves.