Phloem is without ___________ in pteridophytes

The correct option is Companion cells.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

1. Understanding Phloem Structure:
Phloem is the complex permanent living tissue in plants responsible for translocation of organic food materials (mainly sucrose) from leaves to other parts of the plant. In angiosperms (flowering plants), phloem typically consists of four main components:
- Sieve tubes
- Companion cells
- Phloem parenchyma
- Phloem fibres (also known as bast fibres)

2. Comparing Angiosperms with Pteridophytes:
Pteridophytes (vascular cryptogams) are primitive vascular plants. Unlike angiosperms, the vascular tissues of pteridophytes are less specialized:
- Instead of sieve tubes, pteridophytes possess sieve cells.
- They completely lack specialized companion cells associated with their sieve cells. Instead, they may have albuminous cells (strasburger cells) which perform similar functions, but true companion cells are absent.

3. Conclusion:
Therefore, the phloem in pteridophytes is without companion cells (and also sieve tubes, which are replaced by sieve cells).