Question

Which of the following would you associate with the stem of a plant?

• A. Nodes and internodes
• B. Axillary buds and terminal buds
• C. Venation
• D. Vegetative propagation

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B), (D)

Vegetative propagation

The stem is the ascending part of the axis bearing branches, leaves, flowers and fruits. It develops from the plumule of the embryo of a germinating seed. The stem bears nodes and internodes. The region of the stem where leaves are born are called nodes while internodes are the portions between two nodes. The stem bears buds, which may be terminal or axillary. The main function of the stem is to bear leaves, branches and fruits and conduct water, minerals and photosynthates. Some stems undergo modifications and perform the function of storage of food, support, protection and of vegetative propagation. Venation is the arrangement of veins and veinlets in the lamina of a leaf.