Biology - The Plant Stem

Introduction

• A stem is one of the main structural axes of a vascular plant.

• The stem, structurally, is categorized into nodes and internodes (see the image given below).

• The other term used for the stem is shoot, but there is difference between stem and shoot, i.e. stem includes only stem part, whereas, shoot includes stem, leaf, flower, etc. (shoot term basically used for new plant growth).

Functions of Stem

• Following are the significant functions of a stem −

  • Stems keep plant upright and support leaves, flowers, and fruits.

  • Stems comprise xylem and phloem (tissues) that transport fluids and nutrients between root and shoot.

  • Stems store nutrients and produce new cells and tissues.

Types of Stems

• Stems are usually categorized as −

Underground Stem

• The stem that grows inside the soil is known as underground stem. E.g. Potato.

• Such type of stems store food for contingency period.

Subaerial Stem

• The stem, which partial remains inside the soil and partial above (i.e. in the air), is known as subaerial stem. E.g. Cynodon

Aerial Stem

• The stem, which entirely remains in the air (i.e. out-side of soil or water), is known as aerial stem. E.g. passiflora, grapes, etc.

Modification of Stems

• Sometimes, stems perform some specific task (other than their regular task), for which they change their shapes and sizes.

• The following table illustrates some of the examples that modified stems −