Question

If the xylem in a young tree is damaged, which process is first affected?

Answer 1

Xylem- brings glucose and nutrients up from the roots to the rest of the plant; This tissue is dead at maturity.

I'd say the closest answer is probably d. absorbing water from the soil.

Answer 2

Absorbing water from the soil

Xylem is transport tissue found in vascular plants. The function xylem is to transport water from the roots to shoots.  It is also used to replace the water loss during transpiration and photosynthesis. The xylem sap has water and inorganic ions . The transport of water is done true passive process. Transporting water to the top of the tree becomes difficult that is why xylem is also condsidered to limit the height of trees