Answer any two of (a), (b), (c) - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 14 - 2007

One of the primary functions of ground tissue is to store food and nutrients, such as starch. Additionally, it can facilitate photosynthesis, as seen in chlorenchyma, and provide structural support to the plant.

A meristem is a region of actively dividing cells in plants, responsible for growth. These tissues are found in areas such as root tips and shoot tips and play a crucial role in the growth and development of the plant.

Meristems can be located at the tips of roots or shoots, known as apical meristems. They are also found in lateral meristems, which facilitate secondary growth and thickness in plants.

This part is the root. First, roots generally have a single central vascular bundle, typically surrounded by a cortex. Second, the presence of root hairs indicates that this structure is adapted for nutrient and water absorption, which is a characteristic feature of roots.

In the provided diagram, the vascular tissue should be marked with an 'X', generally in the form of a clustered arrangement in the center, while the ground tissue, represented as the area surrounding the vascular bundle, should be marked with a 'Y'.