What is the primary role of cambium in the plant structure?

The primary role of cambium in plant structure is to facilitate growth in thickness, also known as secondary growth. Cambium is a lateral meristem located between the xylem (which transports water and nutrients) and phloem (which transports sugars and organic materials). As the cambium divides, it produces additional layers of xylem on the inside and phloem on the outside. This process increases the diameter of stems and roots, enabling the plant to support larger structures and expand its capacity for transport and storage.

Understanding this role is crucial, as secondary growth is essential for many plants, particularly trees, which rely on an increase in girth to support their height and withstand environmental pressures. The other choices involve functions that are carried out by different parts of the plant: water transport is primarily a function of xylem, seed manufacturing is the role of reproductive structures, and photosynthesis occurs in the leaves, primarily through chloroplasts.