Place these tissues in order, starting at the center of a woody stem. (Hint: Review Figure 31.8A.).
a. Vascular cambium
b. Primary phloem
c. Epidermis
d. Primary xylem

Verified step by step guidance

1. Review the structure of a woody stem, focusing on the arrangement of tissues from the center outward. The center of the stem is typically occupied by the primary xylem, which is responsible for water transport.
2. Next to the primary xylem, locate the vascular cambium. This is a layer of meristematic tissue that produces secondary xylem (toward the center) and secondary phloem (toward the outside).
3. Outside the vascular cambium, identify the primary phloem. This tissue is responsible for transporting sugars and other organic nutrients throughout the plant.
4. Finally, the outermost layer of the woody stem is the epidermis, which serves as a protective barrier for the plant.
5. Arrange the tissues in order from the center outward: primary xylem, vascular cambium, primary phloem, and epidermis.

Key Concepts

Woody Stem Structure

A woody stem consists of several layers of tissues, each serving specific functions. The center typically contains the primary xylem, which transports water and minerals from the roots. Surrounding the xylem is the vascular cambium, a layer of meristematic tissue responsible for secondary growth, producing new xylem and phloem. The outermost layer is the epidermis, which protects the stem and helps reduce water loss.

Vascular Cambium

The vascular cambium is a lateral meristem found between the xylem and phloem in woody plants. It plays a crucial role in secondary growth by producing new layers of xylem (wood) and phloem (bark) each year. This process increases the thickness of the stem, allowing the plant to grow larger and transport more nutrients and water as it matures.

Primary Xylem and Phloem

Primary xylem and phloem are the first vascular tissues formed during the primary growth of a plant. Primary xylem is responsible for the conduction of water and dissolved minerals, while primary phloem transports organic nutrients. These tissues are formed from the apical meristem and are essential for the plant's initial growth and development before secondary growth occurs.