Step 1: Understanding the Question:
• We must arrange the tissue layers of a woody (secondary) dicot stem from the centre outwards.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
• At the very centre lies the pith, followed by the primary xylem (C), which is the oldest xylem.
• The vascular cambium (A) lies between the xylem and the phloem; it cuts off secondary xylem (E) on its inner side and secondary phloem (D) on its outer side.
• The outermost protective layer, replacing the epidermis, is the periderm (B).
• Sequence from centre to periphery: Primary xylem (C) - Vascular cambium (A) - Secondary xylem (E) - Secondary phloem (D) - Periderm (B).
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct option is (B) C, A, E, D, B.