Sapwood is the outer part of the tree that performs which function?

• A. Conducts sap and stores food
• B. Provides structural support
• C. Produces bark
• D. Converts sunlight to energy

Answer: (A)

Sapwood is the outer, living xylem layer in a tree that moves water and minerals from the roots up to the leaves. It’s also capable of storing some food in its parenchyma cells. That combination—conducting sap (water and minerals) and holding onto reserve nutrients—defines its primary role.

Structural support is mainly provided by the heartwood and other hardened parts of the wood, which give the tree its strength. Bark production comes from the cambium and cork layers that form the tree’s outer protective covering, not the sapwood. Converting sunlight to energy happens in the leaves through photosynthesis, not in the sapwood.