How would you differentiate between apoplast and symplast?

Options

(a) Apoplast relies on active transport
(b) Symplast deals in non-living spaces and cell walls
(c) Apoplast prevents passive diffusion
(d) Apoplasts deals in non-living spaces and cell walls

Correct Answer:

Apoplasts deals in non-living spaces and cell walls

Explanation:

Apoplast pathway consists of interconnecting cell wall, intercellular spaces, cell wall of endoderm is excluding the casparian strips, xylem and tracheary elements. This system is considered non-living and is continiuous throughout the plant. Symplast pathway consists of the living parts of the plant and is made up of interconnected protoplast adjacent cells.