What parts of a tree growth's process, do the bark and the "wood" play?

Answer 1

The dead inner wood does not transmit water. It's dead and does nothing. ALL the functions between ground and tree happen in the little 1/4 inch layer under the bark. It brings water and nutrients from the soil up to the leaves. The leaves do the "breathing", and convert the suns rays to energy through photosynthesis.

For all its mass, a tree is suprisingly vulnerable.

Answer 2

The "wood" is in constant transportation of sugars and other substances in solution from the points of origin in the leaves to various parts of the plant where they are stored or used in the process of respiration. The bark is not typically a key player in the growth process. Mature bark layers become crushed and functionless (made up of crushed phloem and cork made by the cork cambium).

Answer 3

The bark is the outer "skin" it protects the cambium layers from attack and damage. The wood is what supports the tree and is analogous to the skeletal system in animals. With one exception, wood is composed of lignified cells that are not alive.

Answer 4

Those are good answers. But now I'll be up late wondering about KLU's stating "with one exception..." What is the exception? Don't leave us hanging, KLU, give us a "clue"...