Although all cells in mature functional sapwood undergo autolysis, resulting in hollow conduits, living cells with a protoplast exist in the secondary xylem, giving rise to wood parenchyma. This parenchyma, less dense than fibrous tissue, plays a vital role in storage, conduction, and defense. While ray parenchyma originates from ray cambial initials, axial parenchyma develops from fusiform cambial initials, the same source as vessels, tracheids, and fibers. Moreover, some fibers can functionally substitute for axial parenchyma.
Which one of the following conclusions can be most properly drawn from the information above?
Answer: