What is a Stem?

The stem is the main part of a plant that grows above the ground. It supports the leaves, flowers, and fruits, and also serves as a transport system for water and nutrients.

Functions of the Stem

The main functions of the stem are:

Support: The stem provides structural support to the plant and keeps it upright.
Transportation: It transports water, nutrients, and sugars from the roots to the leaves and other parts of the plant.
Storage: Some stems store food and water for the plant to use when needed.

Types of Stems

There are different types of stems, including:

Herbaceous stems: These are soft and green, and are found in non-woody plants.
Woody stems: These are hard and rigid, and are found in trees and shrubs.
Modified stems: Some plants have modified stems that serve specific functions, such as storing water or food.

Parts of a Stem

The main parts of a stem include:

Node: The point on the stem where leaves, flowers, or buds are attached.
Internode: The area between two nodes.
Bud: A small, undeveloped shoot that can grow into a leaf, flower, or new stem.
Cambium: The tissue that produces new cells for growth and repair.

Activities

Here are some fun activities to learn more about stems:

Take a nature walk and observe different types of stems in plants.
Grow a bean plant and observe how the stem grows over time.
Dissect a plant stem to see its internal structure.

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