Given below are two statements:

Statement I : Parenchyma is living but collenchyma is dead tissue.

Statement II : Gymnosperms lack xylem vessels but presence of xylem vessels is the characteristic of angiosperms.

In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

To determine the correct option, let us analyze both statements step-by-step:

Step 1: Analyze Statement I
Statement I states: "Parenchyma is living but collenchyma is dead tissue."
- Parenchyma consists of relatively unspecialized cells with thin cell walls, and these cells are living at maturity.
- Collenchyma cells are also living at maturity. They are characterized by cell walls that are unevenly thickened at the corners (due to cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin deposition) and provide mechanical support to young, growing plant parts.
- Because both parenchyma and collenchyma are living tissues, the assertion that collenchyma is dead tissue is incorrect. Sclerenchyma is the simple tissue that is dead at maturity.
- Therefore, Statement I is false.

Step 2: Analyze Statement II
Statement II states: "Gymnosperms lack xylem vessels but presence of xylem vessels is the characteristic of angiosperms."
- Gymnosperms generally lack vessels in their xylem (except for members of the order Gnetales) and rely on tracheids for water conduction.
- In contrast, the presence of xylem vessels is a key characteristic feature of angiosperms (flowering plants).
- Therefore, Statement II is true.

Conclusion:
Since Statement I is false and Statement II is true, the correct option is "Statement I is false but Statement II is true".