What structure consists of strands of xylem and phloem separated by cambium?

A vascular bundle is the structure that contains strands of xylem and phloem, which are crucial for the transportation of water, nutrients, and food in plants. Xylem is responsible for transporting water and dissolved minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant, while phloem carries the products of photosynthesis (mainly sugars) from the leaves to other parts of the plant for growth and energy.

The cambium is a layer of actively dividing cells located between the xylem and phloem. This tissue plays a critical role in the secondary growth of plants, allowing them to grow thicker and produce additional xylem and phloem as needed. This organization of xylem and phloem separated by cambium is essential for the efficient functioning of the plant's vascular system, as it allows for the continuous production of new cells to support the plant's growth.

Other options, such as vein or vascular tissue, refer to broader concepts and do not specifically capture the structural arrangement of xylem, phloem, and cambium found in a vascular bundle. The root system mainly refers to the underground part of the plant and doesn't encompass the vascular arrangement involved in the transport functions carried out by these bundles.