STEM

-constitutes ascending part of the plant

-can be derived from epicotyl, growing above ground
axis of the embryo
Epicotyl
-Cylindrical structure with a mass of
meristematic cells and often with a
Secondary growth – increase in girth of stems and roots
pair of small leaves in its apex
out of the activity of two lateral meristems: vascular and
Main functions: cork cambium
- Provide mechanical support - Only woody dicots and gymnosperms have
- Facilitate photosynthesis secondary growth
- Elevates flowers and fruits for pollination and
seed dispersal
Primary growth – increase in length due to apical mass
of dividing cells called apical meristem or promeristem
Three primary meristems:
1. Protoderm- outermost layer of cells that

m
er as
develops into epidermis

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2. Ground meristem – gives rise to cortex, pith and

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pithrays Dicot stem with Pine stem
3. Procambium – appears first as strands among Secondary thickening

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the ground meristem cells and eventually gives
rs e
rise to primary vascular tissues and vascular
ou urc
cambium (between vascular tissues)
INTERNAL STRUCTURE OF STEM
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Cortex - interior to the epidermis

-composed of photosynthetic parenchyma and
aC s

sometimes collenchyma
vi y re

Vascular tissues:
EXTERNAL STRUCTURE OF STEM
Phloem -distributes sugar and minerals
Node – swollen part where leaves, branches, and buds
Xylem -conducts water and minerals
are attached
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Internode – distance between two successive nodes

ar stu

Lenticels – small, raised dots, ridges for gaseous

exchange
Leaf Scar – marks below the axillary bud after a leaf has
fallen
is

Bud – underdeveloped shoot

Th

Bundle Scar – cut ends of vascular bundle seen within

each leaf scar
Leaf Axil – angle between the leaf and the stem
DICOT MONOCOT
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 Specialized Stems:
Others:

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er as
co
eH w
o.
rs e
ou urc
o
aC s
vi y re
ed d
ar stu
is
Th
sh

This study source was downloaded by 100000825018824 from CourseHero.com on 05-01-2021 03:20:52 GMT -05:00

https://www.coursehero.com/file/34482958/Stemspdf/
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