Ascent of sap refers to:
The right choice is B: Upward movement of water through xylem. In WATER TRANSPORT, that matches how the process or concept actually works — the other choices mix up related ideas or use the wrong mechanism. Skip these: A) Downward movement of solutes; C) Lateral movement in cortex; D) Movement through phloem. A quick check: if an option needs energy, pumps, or the opposite direction of movement, ask whether that really applies.
Ref: Best CSIR NET Plant Physiology books: Master Unit 6 with Taiz & Zeiger and Salisbury & Ross. Crack Part C experimental questions with top textbooks.