Characteristic features of the stem

The plumule of the embryo of a germinating seed grows into stem. The epicotyl elongates after embryo growth into the axis (the stem) that bears leaves from its tip, which contain the actively dividing cells of the shoot called apical meristem. Further cell divisions and growth result in the formation of mass of tissue called a leaf primordium. The point from which the leaf arises is called node. The region between two adjacent nodes is called internode.

Characteristic features of the stem

1. The stem is usually the aerial portion of the plant

2. It is positively phototropic and negatively geotropic

3. It has nodes and internodes.

4. Stem bears vegetative bud for vegetative growth of the plant, and floral buds for reproduction, and ends in a terminal bud.

5. The young stem is green and thus carries out photosynthesis.

6. During reproductive growth stem bears flowers and fruits.

7. Branches arise exogenously

8. Some stems bears multicellular hairs of different kinds.