CHAPTER X 



STEMS: THEIR FORMS AND FUNCTIONS 



Vocabulary 



Node, the point on a stem at which a leaf is attached. 

 Inter-node, the space between the nodes. 

 Propagate, to reproduce a plant or animal. 

 Terminal, at the end. 

 Lateral, from the side. 

 Deliberately, intentionally. 



The stem is all that portion of the plant body above the root. 

 It differs from the root in the following points: 



1. It bears leaves, flowers and fruit. 



2. The leaves and branches are borne in regular order, at points 



called nodes. 



3. Growth takes place in the spaces between the nodes 



(internodes). 



Functions. The functions of the stem are: 



1. To expose leaves to light and air. 



2. To support flowers for pollenation. 



3. To support fruit for dispersal. . 



4. To transport liquids up or downward in the plant. 



5. To connect the two food-getting organs, roots and leaves. 



6. To store food stuffs. 



7. To propagate the plant. 



Naturally there are many adaptations for these various functions 

 resulting in many forms of stem growth and structure, which 

 modify the whole appearance of the plant. 



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