The stem is the ascending part of the axis that bears branches, leaves, fruits, buds and flowers. Together, this system is known as shoot system. The stem develops from the plumule of the embryo of a germinating seed. The region of the stem where a leaf arises is called as node and the region between two nodes is called as internode. The stem is generally green and tender when the plants are young, and becomes brown and woody once they grow as trees. Get online tutoring and assignment assistance for The Stem Homework Help

The Stem Homework Help

Function of stem: The stem conducts water, minerals and photosynthates from the roots to different parts of the plants. Some stems may also perform storage of food, support, protection and vegetative propagation in plants.

Modifications of stem: Stems are modified to perform various functions.

1.      Storage of food (E.g. potato plant, ginger and turmeric plant)

2.      Act as organs of perenation to tide over conditions of unfavourable for growth

3.      Stem tendrils developed from axillary buds, help plants to climb to adjacent strong surface (E.G cucumber plant, watermelon)

4.      Axillary buds of stems are modified into thorns to protect plants from grazing animals (Rose plant)

5.      In desert regions, the stems are modified into flattened (Opuntia) or fleshy cylindrical structure (Euphorbias), which are useful in performing photosynthesis.

6.      Underground stems spread to new niches and form new plants, thus spreading and propagating the plant (E.g grass)

7.      In some plants, a slender lateral branch arises from the base of the main axis and growns downwards to touch the ground, thus providing support to the plant (E.g Jasmine plant)


A.    Storage           B. Support     C. protection  D. spread and vegetative propagation

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