(a) (i) Why is a dicotyledonous (dicot) plant so called? (ii) Give one function of vascular tissue in plants - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 7 - 2014

One key function of vascular tissue in plants is transport. Vascular tissue, which includes xylem and phloem, facilitates the movement of water, nutrients, and food throughout the plant.

For the preparation of the transverse section, I used a herbaceous plant such as a pea plant (Pisum sativum) or a bean plant (Phaseolus vulgaris).

A herbaceous stem is easier to cut compared to a woody stem, which is denser and requires more effort to slice through. This makes the preparation for examination quicker and more efficient.

To prepare the section of the stem for examination, I first cut a thin slice of the stem using a sharp blade. I then placed the slice in a drop of water or stain on a microscope slide to enhance visibility of the vascular tissues.

To examine the section, I turned on the light of the microscope and adjusted the mirror to ensure optimal lighting. I began with a low power lens to locate the specimen, then switched to a higher power lens for detailed examination.

The diagram should illustrate a cross-section of the stem showing the arrangement of ground tissue, xylem, and phloem. The ground tissue surrounds the vascular tissues, with xylem located towards the center and phloem positioned towards the outside. Each part should be clearly labelled for clarity.