Chapter 5 The Stem

Question 1

Define stem or shoot

Answer 1

The main stem is the portion of the primary axis of the plant which develops from the plumule.An axis, together with the leaves which it bears, is called a shoot .A Branch is also a shoot, for it consists of an elongated axis or stem with its own set of leaves.

Question 2

Characteristics of stem or shoot

Answer 2

(1) The stem or shoot tends to grow upwards into light and air.
(2) it bears leaves, flowers and fruits
(3) its growing apex is covered over bv a number of young leaves which form a bud
(4) It branches exogenously

Question 3

Nodes and internodes

Answer 3

The part of a stem from which a leaf arises Is called a node,
while the region between two successive nodes is known as an internode

Question 4

Annuals

Answer 4

Annuals: These live for only a single growing season, after which they die. They produce seeds which, on germination develop into new plants the next year. Most herbaceous plants are annuals, e.g. poppy tomato, wheat, rice, etc

Question 5

Biennials

Answer 5

Biennials: These live for two growing seasons. During the first season they develop
leaves on short stems and store up food in their tap-roots. The leaves die away at the end of the season. During the following season the stored food is utilized for the production o
fiowers and fruits. after which the plants die, e.g.. radish, turnip. carrot, etc

Question 6

Perennials

Answer 6

Perennials: These live for several years, and usually produce seeds annually. All woody pants and some herbs are perennials.

Question 7

TYPES OF STEMS

Answer 7

TYPES OF STEMS
The following descriptive terms are used for the description of stems.
Herbaceous
Woody 
Fistular
Solid
Jointed
Cylindrical
Angular
Flattened
Glaucous
Glabrous
Succulent
Spiny
Prickly

Question 8

Herbaceous

Answer 8

Herbaceous: Soft and green, can be easily bent or broken as in Brassica,Poppy

Question 9

Woody

Answer 9

Woody: Hard in texture .Some stems are herbaceous above and woody below, e.g,Brassica. Calatropis (Ak).

Question 10

Fistular

Answer 10

Fistular: Internodes holiow, as in Bamboo 🎍

Question 11

Solid

Answer 11

Solid: Not hollow, as in most trees

Question 12

Jointed

Answer 12

Jointed :Swollen at the nodes, as in Grasses, Sugar-cane, etc,

Question 13

Cylindrical

Answer 13

Cylinderical :Straight and round (circular in transverse section) e.g., Rose. Jasmine, sunflower etc

Question 14

Angular

Answer 14

Angular: Having alternate ridges and furrows as in Ocimum basilicum (Niazbo)

Question 15

Flattened

Answer 15

Flattened: Flat and plate-like as in Opuntia

Question 16

Glaucous

Answer 16

Glaucous: Surface smooth and more or less shiny, bluish-green, as in Bamboo.

Question 17

Glabrous

Answer 17

Glabrous: surface smooth but not shiny, having no fine hairs as in brassica

Question 18

Succulent

Answer 18

Succulent: Thick and flesh as in Opuntia and Euphorbia Royleana(Danda thore)

Question 19

Spiny

Answer 19

Spiny: With spines and thorns on the surface, as in Duranta, Acacia etc .

Question 20

Prickly

Answer 20

Prickly: With prickles(spine like) on the surface and 🌹 Rose

Question 21

Forms of stems

Answer 21

Aerial

Underground

Question 22

aerial stems

Answer 22

The aerial stems grow above the ground and are exposed to the air. They may be
reduced, erect or weak.

Reduced stem
Errect stem
Weak stem

Question 23

Reduced stem

Answer 23

(i) Reduced stems. These are found in radish, carrot and beet, and are in the form of small green structures above the thick roots. They are so small that the leaves appear to be borne directly on the root

Question 24

Erect stems

Answer 24

Erect stems: They are thick and strong and can grow erect as in most herbs
and shrubs.

Question 25

weak stem

Answer 25

weak stem: they are unable to grow erect, and therefore, expose their leaves to the air and light either by climbing up the neighboring objects or by spreading themselves on the ground. thus they may be climbing or trailing and the plants possessing them are known respectively as climbers or trailers