Tag: stem - external morphology

Questions Related to stem - external morphology

Stems have played and important role in plant evolution. Their functions have changed and evolved over a period of time. From the list given below (i to iv), identify the functions performed by stems in different types of plants.
(i) Photosynthesis
(ii) Support
(iii) Storage
(iv) Spread and dispersal of plants

  1. (i) and (ii) only

  2. (i), (ii) and (iii) only

  3. (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)

  4. (ii), (iii) and (iv) only


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

In some plants, the stem has been modified to perform different functions. These are the adaptations shown by the plants due to adaptation and evolution. 

In dessert plants, the stem become green and flat to perform photosynthesis. 
In climbers, the stem tendrils cling or wound on the other plants to provide support. 
In rhizome and tubers, the food is stored in the stem. 
In plants like runners which spread on the land, the seeds or the spores are dispersed. This helps in the dispersed growth of the plants. 
Thus, the correct answer is option C. 

Waxy coating on epidermis of young stem is

  1. Suberin

  2. Periderm

  3. Phellem

  4. Cuticle


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Cuticle is a protecting film covering the epidermis of leaves, young shoots and other aerial plant organs without periderm. 

It consists of lipid and hydrocarbon polymers impregnated with wax and is synthesized exclusively by the epidermal cells. The cuticle is composed of an insoluble cuticular membrane impregnated by and covered with soluble waxes. Cutin, a polyester polymer composed of inter esterified omega hydroxy acids which are crosslinked by ester and epoxide bonds, is the best known structural component of the cuticular membrane.

Unbranched, erect, cylindrical stout axis with distinct nodes and internodes and with jointed appearance is called as

  1. Runner

  2. Sucker

  3. Culm

  4. Caudex


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Erect, unbranched stems with distinct nodes and internodes are called culms, nodes are swollen giving a jointed appearance. For example, bamboo.

Plants belonging to family Cactaceae  stores water in stems. It means, they are 

  1. Ephemerals

  2. Drought resistants

  3. Annuals

  4. Non-succulents


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Cactaceae have many adaptations that make them drought resistant in dry areas. They have a thick and hard-walled stem that helps in water storage. The stems of Cactaceae are fleshy and photosynthetic. A thick and waxy coating of it helps the cactus from evaporating excess water. Instead of leaves, most of them have spines or scales which are modified leaves. These spines and scales do not lose water through evaporation and protect the cactus from herbivores.

So, the correct answer is 'Drought resistants'

Shoot or stem develops from

  1. Plumule

  2. Radicle

  3. Bothof (A) and (B)

  4. None of the above


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Shoot or stem develops from plumule. Shoot or stem develops from plumule. Plumule is the future shoot of a plant as radicle is the future root of the plant. Plumule is positively phototrophic.
Thus, the correct answer is option A.

Lacunar collenchyma is specifically present in hypodermis of

  1. Cucurbita stem

  2. Sunflower stem

  3. Brinjal stem

  4. Maize stem


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Cucurbita stem has lacunar collenchyma or tubular collenchyma which is characterized by the presence of distinct intercellular spaces and deposition of pectocellulose is on the wall of intercellular spaces. Sunflower stem has lamellar or plate collenchyma which is characterized by cell wall thickening on the tangential walls giving the cell lamellar or plates like appearance. Brinjal stem has angular collenchyma which is characterized by deposition of pectocellulose are at the angles of the cell. Maize stem has sclerenchymatous hypodermis.
Therefore, the correct answer is option A.

A plant has weak stem which can coil around an upright support. It is a

  1. Liane

  2. Twiner

  3. Climber

  4. Creeper


Correct Option: B
Explanation:
A plant with a weak stem which can coil around an upright support is a twiner because as the name implies the weak stem twines or coils around the support for its growth.
So the correct option is Twiner. 

Which of the following can be related to the creepers?

  1. The stem is fragile

  2. They creep on the ground

  3. They have floating roots

  4. Both A and B


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

  • Creeper is the type of plant that grows completely on the ground.
  • There stem is completely fragile and that is unable to stand erect and does not support the weight of the plant.
So the correct option is 'Both A and B'.

Stem tendrils occur in

  1. Smilax

  2. Gloriosa

  3. Vitis

  4. Lathyrus


Correct Option: C

Pea plant is a creeper.

  1. True

  2. False


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Pea plant is a climber that uses tendrils to climb the support as it has very weak stem and can not stand by its own so they either climb o another plant , wall or just stick to them by holding it.

So the given statement is False.