A layer of cells called the endodermis surrounds the stele. Xylem is found towards the center of the stele and phloem towards the outside of the stele. 18) How does this compare to their arrangement in the stem? 19) The meristematic region is protected in the root by the presence of a root cap. How is the meristematic region protected in the stem tip? 20) In which of these regions would you expect to find the specialized cells of vascular tissue? 21) In which of these regions are the cells genetically identical? 22) Why?

Epidermis layer is responsible for the protection of meristematic region.

Explanation:

Meristematic region is protected in the stem tip by epidermis which consist of dead layer of cells. Epidermis is the outer layer of stems, leaves, flowers and fruits which is responsible for the protection of inner part from damage. Vascular bundle such as phloem present near the boundary of the stem while the xylem is present in the inside of the stem. In the inside layer of the stem, all the xylem cells are genetically identical while the layer that is present at the edge of the stem is phloem in which all the cells are  genetically identical to each other.

answer; ///i believe that the correct answer is (a) specialized cells)