Morphology Of Stems | All Global Updates

Morphology of Stems

Introduction to Stems and External Features 
·         Stem is the axis of the plant other than the root
·         In most plants stems are located above the soil surface but some plants have underground stems

·         Functions of the stem
§  Stems support the leaves and other structures e.g. flowers, fruits 
§  Stems are used for vegetative reproductive i.e. cuttings
§  Stems position leaves to receive maximum sunlight
§  Stems determine size and shape of the plant
§  Facilitates movement of water, minerals, and manufactured food in the plant
§  Some stems carry out photosynthesis
§  Stores foods


·        External features of the stem
·         External structures of the stem
§  Internodes: distances separating one node from another
§  Nodes: Points at which leaves are attached
§  Lenticels: Breathing pores
§  Buds:Growth of shoot
§  Terminal or apical but, at tip of plant
§  Axillary bud in nodes on stem
§  Bud scale scars: Indicate where terminal bud has been located previous year
§  Leaf scars:
§  Show where leaf was attached
·          Internal structures of the stem
§  Usually consist of three tissues, Dermal tissue, Ground tissue and Vascular tissue

§  The dermal tissue
§  Covers outer surface of stem and usually functions to waterproof, protect & control gas exchange
§  The Ground tissue
§  Mainly of parenchyma cells and fills in around the vascular tissue, sometimes functions in photosynthesis
§  The Vascular tissue
§  Provides long distance transport and structural support
§  Arrangement varies widely among plant species

Selective Focus Photography Of Green Leaf On Branch With Snow