Question

Describe the various stem modifications & their function

Answer 1

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Some plant species have modified stems that are especially suited to a particular habitat and environment.

A rhizome is a modified stem that grows horizontally underground; it has nodes and internodes.

Vertical shoots may arise from the buds on the rhizome of some plants, such as ginger and ferns.

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Answer 2

Functions of the Stem

The stem performs the two major functions of

1.   Spreading out branches bearing leaves, flowers and fruits.

2.  Conducting water, minerals and photosynthates.

Modifications of Stem

Too often, stems are modified to perform a range of functions. Below, we will discuss in brief about the various modifications of stems.

1.  Modification of Stems for the Storage of Food: Underground stems of potato, ginger, turmeric, zaminkand, colocasia are modified to store food in them. They also act as organs of perennation to tide over conditions unfavourable for growth.

2.  Modifications for support: Stem tendrils which develop from axillary buds, are slender and spirally coiled and help plants to climb such as in gourds (cucumber, pumpkins, watermelon) and grapevines.

3.  Stem modifications for defence: Axillary buds of stems may also get modified into woody, straight and pointed thorns. Thorns are found in many plants such as Citrus, Bougainvillea. They protect plants from browsing animals.

4.  Modification of stems for photosynthesis: Some plants of arid regions modify their stems into flattened (Opuntia), or fleshy cylindrical (Euphorbia) structures. They contain chlorophyll and carry out photosynthesis. Besides these, stems can also be modified for vegetative propagation.