Rhizome: A thick stem with distinct nodes and internodes and scaly leaves at the point of nodes (example: ginger).īulb: Short stems that possess a fleshy base and leafy scales. Tuber: A horizontal stem that is enlarged as a result of storage of food (for example, potatoes). The types of underground stems are tubers, rhizomes, bulbs, corms, and stolons. They are also capable of vegetative propagation. Their roots are superficially present, and their stems are meant to store food. Underground stems remain at the ground level and produce aerial shoots that rise above the soil. Some stems also undergo modifications to store food and water, for example, succulents.īased on their location within the ground, stems are divided into 3 types: underground, subaerial, and aerial. Transport water and mineral salts from the root to the other parts of the plants. Help the plant and its roots stand straight and perpendicular to the grounds. Perform a wide range of functions for various biochemical processes such as photosynthesis. Some stems help to replicate through vegetative propagation. Provide structures and foundations for plants that will later develop into trees. Stems are positively phototropic, meaning they grow towards light, and are negatively geotropic, meaning they grow upwards against gravity. If hair is present on a stem, it is generally multicellular. Young stems are green and photosynthetic. The growing stem apex bears a terminal bud for growth. They have terminal and axillary buds which are used for vegetative propagation. Stems have nodes from which leaves develop. They are the aerial part of the plant that bears leaves, fruits, flowers, etc. The stem develops from the plumule and epicotyl of the plant embryo. Source Characteristics and Features of a Stem Phloem: A vascular tissue that transports food made in the leaves to other plant parts.įlax fibers: The inner bark of stems, composed of bast fibers.Ĭortex: The outer layer, or epidermis of the stem. Xylem: A vascular tissue that transports water and minerals upwards. Protoxylem: In young stems, protoxylem consists of treachery tissues with spiral thickenings that help in stem growth. Pith: A soft and spongy tissue that stores starch. The important structures in a stem are the pith, protoxylem, xylem, phloem, flax fibers, and cortex. Internodes are the parts of a stem that distance the nodes from each other. Adventitious roots also are produced from these nodes. Nodes hold 2 or more leaves and branches together. Stems are divided into nodes and internodes. They connect the roots to the leaves, transport fluids, produce new living tissues, and support leaves, fruits, and flowers. Stems are the important structural axis of vascular plants. Woody Stems are strong and unbendable, such as the trunk of a tree. Herbaceous Stems are soft and flexible, such as those found on flowers. They usually grow above the ground, although the stem of certain plants like potatoes are found underground. They range in length from a few inches to hundreds of meters, and vary in diameter depending on the type of plant. Stems are part of the shoot systems of a plant. This guide details out the structures and functions of the stem. Stems also store food, and those that are green generally assist in its production. It is the main structure that transports water, food, and mineral salts to the other parts of plants. The stem is generally the axis of the plant that bears buds, shoots with leaves, and roots at its basal end.
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