Xylem is a type of complex tissue in plants for upward conduction of water. Which one of the following xylem tissues consists of living cells?

Xylem is a complex vascular tissue responsible for the upward conduction of water and minerals from roots to leaves. It consists of four main components: tracheids, vessels, xylem parenchyma, and xylem fibers. Tracheids and vessels are the primary water-conducting elements; however, they are dead at maturity and lack protoplasm to facilitate efficient water flow. Xylem fibers are also non-living sclerenchyma cells that provide mechanical strength and structural support to the plant. In contrast, xylem parenchyma consists of living cells with thin walls [1]. These living cells are interspersed among the conducting elements and function primarily in the storage of nutrients (such as starch and fats) and assist in the lateral conduction of water. Therefore, among the four types of xylem tissues, only xylem parenchyma remains alive at maturity.

Sources

1. [1] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/tracheid