Stem Anatomy

Question 1

Herbaceous Stems

Answer 1

Stems that are soft, green, and flexible.

Usually annuals, biennials, or perennials that die to the ground at the end of the growing season.

Question 2

Woody Stems

Answer 2

A stem that is generally hard and produces a secondary growth. They can go dormant at the end of a growing season, and then resume when the conditions are right.

Question 3

What are the functions of the Stem?

Answer 3

Move water, minerals, and manufactured food throughout the whole plant.
Green stems help with photosynthesis.
Store food.

Question 4

Apical Meristem

Answer 4

The growing point at the tip of the stem.

Question 5

Terminal Bud

Answer 5

A bud that surrounds the apical meristem at the tip of the stem.

Question 6

Node

Answer 6

Where the leaf is attached to the stem

Question 7

Internode

Answer 7

The area between leaves

Question 8

Lateral Bud

Answer 8

A side bud

Question 9

Bud Scales

Answer 9

Small protective structure around the lateral bud.

Question 10

Leaf Scar

Answer 10

The small scar just below the lateral bud that is left when a leaf falls off the stem.

Question 11

Bud Scale Scare

Answer 11

A ring of scares that are left when the buds sprout and the bud scales fall off.