Which of the following is a function of ground tissue?

Ground tissue performs several essential functions in plants, and one of its primary roles is related to photosynthesis and storage. This tissue type is made up mainly of parenchyma, collenchyma, and sclerenchyma cells, each adapted for specific functions.

In the context of photosynthesis, ground tissue often contains chloroplasts, particularly in leaf tissues, which are crucial for capturing sunlight and converting it into energy. This is particularly evident in the mesophyll layers of leaves where most photosynthesis occurs. Additionally, ground tissue serves as a storage site for various substances, such as starch in the roots and structures, which can be utilized later by the plant for energy and growth.

While ground tissue does play roles in protection and sometimes contributes to regulating water loss, these functions are not its primary or defining roles as they are more characteristic of other tissue types, such as dermal tissue for protecting the plant and vascular tissue for transporting nutrients and fluids. Therefore, identifying photosynthesis and storage as fundamental roles highlights the critical importance of ground tissue in the overall plant physiology.