Stems Flashcards
What is the stem the main part of?
the shoot
What are stems usually like in herbaceous plants?
They are soft and green and do not contain wood
What are stems usually like in woody plants?
The stem is hard, woody and brown
Give an example of a woody plant
a chestnut tree
What does the stem carry and where do they emerge from?
The stem carries leaves, which emerge from points called nodes.
Define a node
A node is the point on a stem at which a leaf is attached
Define an internode
An internode is the region on a stem between two nodes
What does a stem have at the tip of it?
It has a terminal or apical bud
What does the apical bud cause?
It causes the stem to grow at the growing tip.
What would happen to a plant if the growth tip is removed?
a low bushy plant will form
What is the axil on a plant?
The axil is the angle between a leaf and a stem.
What are located at each axil?
Axillary and lateral buds
Where are axillary or lateral buds located?
They are located at each axil
What do axillary or lateral buds produce?
These buds produce new growth such as branches or flowers.
List the structures of a stem during winter (6)
Apical (or terminal) bud Leaf scar Scale (or girdle) scars Lenticels Axillary (or lateral) bud One years growth
What do the scale scars on a stem in winter represent?
The scale scars mark the locations of previous apical buds
What represents one years worth of growth on a stem in winter?
The distance between the two sets of scale scars indicate where a leaf has fallen.
List all five functions of stems
- Support the aerial parts of the plant.
- transport water and minerals form the roots to the leaves and flowers.
- Transport food made in the leaves to the roots.
- Carry out photosynthesis (when they are green).
- May store food.
Define a lenticel
A lenticel is an opening on a stem for gas exchange.
