Explanation:
C
If the phloem tissue is damaged, the roots will likely die firs. Phloem is responsible for transporting nutrients and sugars from the leaves to other parts of the plant, including the roots. Without this nutrient supply, the roots may not be able to sustain themselves, leading to their death. The shoot and apical meristem may still receive some nutrients from stored reserves, but the roots survival is more dependent on the continuous flow of nutrients through the phloem.
