Functions of Stem
- It holds fruits, flowers, and leaves in place.
- The stem enables the leaves to position themselves so they can receive direct sunlight and effectively carry out photosynthesis. Gas exchange is also made possible by the arrangement and positioning of leaves.
- The vascular bundles of stems include the xylem and phloem, which transport water and minerals throughout the plant.
- Flowers and fruits are carried on stems in a way that promotes pollination, fertilization, and seed dispersal.
- To hold food and water, some stems are modified. Think about succulents.
Morphology of Stem of Angiosperms
Nodes and internodes, the two key elements, are shown by the morphology of stems. Internodes are the spaces between nodes, which are where a plant bears leaves. Phyllotaxis is the study of how leaves are arranged on stems. Thus, one leaf per node is referred to as a spiral arrangement in phyllotaxy, while one leaf per node with a 180-degree divergence is the alternate layout. The opposite pattern is referred to as having two leaves per node, and a whorled arrangement is referred to as having more than two leaves per node.
Stem – Characteristics and Functions
The scientific field of morphology is concerned with the examination of the composition, traits, and forms of living things. Despite the great structural variation that amazes us in flowering plants (Angiosperms), they all have a few things in common. Examples include roots, stalks, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds. As a result, all angiosperm plant morphologies may share these five characteristics. However, if you look closely at a plant, you’ll note that they always have root and shoot systems, and within them, the plant may or may not have flowers and fruit. Plant morphology helps us understand its complex components. Angiosperms, or flowering plants, are plants that produce flowers. The plant has 5 main parts, i.e., roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds. These parts perform different functions in their own way. Let’s have a glance over the part “the stem”.