Stems and Roots in Plant Propagation

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Questions and Answers

What is the main difference between bulbs and corms?

Corms are composed of stem tissue, while bulbs lack fleshy leaf scales
Bulbs and corms are the same type of underground storage structure
Bulbs and corms are both composed of root tissue
Bulbs are composed of stem tissue, while corms lack fleshy leaf scales (correct)

What is the main function of the taproot system in plants?

Storing reserve food for the plant
Anchoring the plant and absorbing water and minerals (correct)
Allowing the plant to reproduce through seeds
Producing lateral roots for vegetative propagation

How do adventitious roots differ from the taproot system?

Adventitious roots are responsible for anchoring the plant, while taproot systems are responsible for absorption
Adventitious roots are found in monocot plants, while taproot systems are found in dicot plants (correct)
Adventitious roots develop from the radicle, while taproot systems develop from other parts of the plant
Adventitious roots are used for vegetative propagation, while taproot systems are used for seed germination

Which of the following is an example of a plant that has a tuberous stem?

Potato (A) Signup and view all the answers

How can stems be used for vegetative plant propagation?

By using sections of aboveground stems that contain nodes and internodes (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of roots in plants?

Anchoring the plant and absorbing water and minerals (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of xylem in stem vasculature?

To carry water and minerals up the plant (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which tissue in stem vasculature is responsible for producing annual growth rings in tree trunks?

Vascular cambium (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference in vascular arrangement between monocot and dicot plants?

Monocots have scattered vascular bundles, while dicots have a ring of vascular bundles (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for gardeners to be cautious when weed trimming?

To avoid damaging the vascular cambium (B) Signup and view all the answers

How do herbicides target different types of plants based on their vascular systems?

Herbicides target the different vascular arrangements of monocots and dicots (A) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes bulbs from roots?

Bulbs have shortened, compressed stems surrounded by fleshy scales, while roots lack this structure (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a feature of corms?

Corms are elongated horizontal stems that often lie along the soil surface (A) Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes potato-tubers and tulip bulbs as stems rather than roots?

The nodes of these structures classify them as stems, unlike roots (B) Signup and view all the answers

How do rhizomes contribute to weed invasiveness?

Rhizomes grow horizontally from plant to plant, making some invasive weeds hard to fight (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of nodes in vegetative plant propagation?

Nodes are where buds are located, allowing for growth and development (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does internodal length reflect a plant's health and productivity?

Longer internodes indicate fertile soil, high light density, and late/wet seasons (B) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Stem Vasculature

Xylem carries water and minerals up the plant, while phloem carries food down
Vascular cambium produces new tissue for growth and creates rings in tree trunks
Different vascular arrangements in monocots and dicots affect herbicidal action

Importance to Gardeners

Vascular cambium is crucial for grafting and must be protected during gardening activities
Careless weed trimming can harm the cambium, leading to plant death
Understanding stem vasculature is essential for plant health and productivity

Stem Types

Tuberous stems are short, flat, and enlarged, with buds and shoots arising from the top and fibrous roots from the bottom
Corms lack fleshy leaf scales, distinguishing them from bulbs

Roots

Roots are the underground part of the plant body, responsible for anchoring, absorbing water and minerals, and storing reserve foods
Types of roots include taproot or primary root system and adventitious root system
Taproot system is present in dicots, while adventitious roots are found in monocots

Nodes and Internodes

Nodes are areas on stems where buds are located, allowing for growth and development
Pruning near nodes can stimulate bud development and encourage plant growth
Internodes are areas between nodes, affecting plant growth and structure
Internodal length is an indicator of a plant's health and productivity, affected by factors like soil fertility, light density, and seasons

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Description

Explore how stems and roots play a crucial role in the propagation of plants. Learn about the different types of stems such as bulbs, corms, and tuberous stems, as well as the significance of roots in plant propagation.