Stem and its Functions


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Stem and its Functions

Shoot System: The part of the plant mainly stem, leaves, flowers and fruits that remain above the ground, buds, form the shoot system.

Stem: The stem is the part of the plant seen above the ground. It bears the leaves, flowers and fruits of a plant. It is almost green or woody. It grows towards the sunlight. It moves away from the ground. The stem of the tree is known as the trunk. Most of the trunks are covered with tough outer layer called bark. The small outgrowths on the stem of a plant are called buds.

Buds are of two types: apical bud and axillary bud. Apical bud or terminal bud is present at the top of the shoot. It is responsible for the upward growth of the plant. Axillary buds are found between the stem and leaf stalk. Features of stem:

  • They support the entire plant to stand as a whole.
  • They are always phototrophic. i.e. they grow towards light.
  • The part of a stem where a leaf arises is called node. The region of the stem between the two adjacent nodes is called internodes. Stem bears branches, leaves, flowers and fruits.
  • Functions of Stem:

  • Stem helps in transportation of absorbed water and nutrients through vascular tissue from roots to leaves.
  • Stem also transports food from the leaves to different storage organs.
  • Stem exposes leaves to light and help them in performing the process of photosynthesis.
  • The stem bearing leaves helps in the process of transpiration. Transpiration is the process by which plants release excess water in the form of water vapour through minute openings in the leaves called as stomata.
  • It bears flowers, buds, leaves and fruits.
  • Sample Questions
    (More Questions for each concept available in Login)
    Question : 1

    A plant has weak stem and cannot stand upright. It spreads on the ground. It may be called

    Right Option : C
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    Question : 2

    Which of the following are correct :

    (a) Stem support the entire plant to stand as a whole.

    (b) Stem are always phototrophic. i.e. they grow towards light.

    (c) The part of a stem where a leaf arises is called node.

    Right Option : D
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    Explanation
    Question : 3

    In a mango tree the branches appear

    Right Option : B
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