Observation

Candidates who attempted this question were expected to answer the question correctly.  Most of the good candidates who attempted this question performed very well.

The solution to the question is stated as follows:

(A)        (i)         Medullary rays:  -           store food materials;
-           convey nutrients (food) horizontally.

                        (ii)         Cambium layer: -           is the factory of the tree;
-           produces new wood tissues (xylem);
-           produces new bark (phloem).

(B)        -           to reduce the weight of timber;
-           to reduce the working of timber when used;
-           to reduce the moisture content to safety line;
-           to make the timber easier to work on.
-           to make the timber more attractive;
-           to increase the life span of the timber;
-           to reduce warping of timber.

(C)        (i)         empty cell.
(ii)         full cell.