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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of the stem?
What is the primary function of the stem?
Which type of stem uses other plants or structures for support?
Which type of stem uses other plants or structures for support?
What does xylem transport?
What does xylem transport?
In some plants with poorly developed leaves, which organ becomes the primary area for photosynthesis?
In some plants with poorly developed leaves, which organ becomes the primary area for photosynthesis?
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What is the term for stems that grow along the ground?
What is the term for stems that grow along the ground?
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How are dicot vascular bundles arranged?
How are dicot vascular bundles arranged?
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What is the role of meristem regions in stems?
What is the role of meristem regions in stems?
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Which plant part may be used for food storage?
Which plant part may be used for food storage?
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In dicots, what is attached at a node besides leaves?
In dicots, what is attached at a node besides leaves?
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How do monocot stems increase in thickness?
How do monocot stems increase in thickness?
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Where are the vascular bundles located in monocot stems?
Where are the vascular bundles located in monocot stems?
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What characterizes the internodes of most monocots?
What characterizes the internodes of most monocots?
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What are side shoots produced by grasses called?
What are side shoots produced by grasses called?
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What external factor influences tillering in plants?
What external factor influences tillering in plants?
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What differentiates the branching of dicots from monocots?
What differentiates the branching of dicots from monocots?
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Which of the following best describes the nodes in monocots?
Which of the following best describes the nodes in monocots?
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What is the effect of less than optimum nutrient supply on tillering?
What is the effect of less than optimum nutrient supply on tillering?
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What causes apical dominance in dicot plants?
What causes apical dominance in dicot plants?
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What happens when the apex of a dicot plant is removed?
What happens when the apex of a dicot plant is removed?
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Why is it undesirable to remove the apex in spruce trees?
Why is it undesirable to remove the apex in spruce trees?
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Which statement about tillers is accurate?
Which statement about tillers is accurate?
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What is the primary role of the apical bud in plants exhibiting apical dominance?
What is the primary role of the apical bud in plants exhibiting apical dominance?
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Which of the following best describes the outcome of unstable lateral branches?
Which of the following best describes the outcome of unstable lateral branches?
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What effect does apical dominance have on plant growth?
What effect does apical dominance have on plant growth?
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Study Notes
Plant Stems: Functions
- Stems provide support for plant tissues like leaves and flowers
- Stems also help with transport by containing vascular bundles (xylem and phloem)
- Xylem transports water and nutrients, and phloem transports food
- Some stems perform photosynthesis, particularly in plants with poorly developed leaves (e.g., cacti, wheat, peas)
- Other stems are modified for food storage (e.g., sugar cane)
- Some vegetable stems are harvested when young for food (e.g., asparagus)
Stem Growth and Development
- Stems have meristem regions that develop leaves, branches, tillers, adventitious roots, and buds
- Stems are typically divided into nodes and internodes
- Internodes are the distances between nodes
Dicot Stems
- Dicot vascular bundles are arranged in a circle around the central pith core
- Dicots have vascular cambium that increases girth (thickness) of the plant
- Nodes are where leaves and buds attach
Monocot Stems
- Monocot stems differ from dicots in lacking a lateral meristem (cambium) to increase girth
- Monocot stems increase thickness through cell expansion, not division
- Vascular bundles are scattered throughout the outer layer of the pith
- Stems can be hollow in many monocots
- Nodes are solid
- Leaves originate at the nodes
- Intercalary meristem is at the base of the leaf
Tillering in Grasses
- Most grasses can produce side shoots called tillers
- Tillering is influenced by genetics and environmental factors (e.g., 2-row barley produces more tillers than 6-row barley)
Control of Branching and Tillering
- In dicots, side shoots are called branches
- Environmental conditions affect branching and tillering
- Increased branching/tillering occurs with greater distances between plants, allowing for more light penetration
- Optimal nutrient and water supply is essential for good branching and tillering
Apical Dominance in Dicots
- Many dicot plants exhibit strong apical dominance
- The stem tip (apex) is the primary growth point
- Apical dominance is caused by plant hormones within the apex
- This results in one stem dominating and controlling the formation of branches from buds along the stem
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Description
Explore the fascinating world of plant stems, including their functions in support, transport, and photosynthesis. This quiz covers the differences between dicot and monocot stems, as well as stem growth and development. Test your knowledge on how stems play a vital role in the life of plants.
