The xylem provides mechanical strength to the plant. Which of the following components is responsible for this function?

In this type of vascular bundle,xylem and phloem do not lie on the same radius.

$A$ vascular bundle in which the phloem is found on both sides of the xylem is called .....

Pith is a central part of the ground tissues generally made up of

Some cells of the cortex lack:

$I.$ Protection of internal tissues
$II.$ Protection of leaves from microbes
$III.$ Gaseous exchange
$IV.$ Reduction in the rate of transpiration through epidermal cells due to trichomes
Which of the functions of the epidermis is/are relevant from the above-given statements?