Plant Stem - Stem Structure

Stem Structure

See also: Stele (biology)

Stem usually consist of three tissues, dermal tissue, ground tissue and vascular tissue. The dermal tissue covers the outer surface of the stem and usually functions to waterproof, protect and control gas exchange. The ground tissue usually consists mainly of parenchyma cells and fills in around the vascular tissue. It sometimes functions in photosynthesis. Vascular tissue provides long distance transport and structural support. Most or all ground tissue may be lost in woody stems. The dermal tissue of aquatic plants stems may lack the waterproofing found in aerial stems. The arrangement of the vascular tissues varies widely among plant species.

Read more about this topic:  Plant Stem

Famous quotes containing the words stem and/or structure:

    The lotus’ stem is as long as the depth of water,
    So men’s height is just as great as their inner strength.
    Tiruvalluvar (c. 5th century A.D.)

    The question is still asked of women: “How do you propose to answer the need for child care?” That is an obvious attempt to structure conflict in the old terms. The questions are rather: “If we as a human community want children, how does the total society propose to provide for them?”
    Jean Baker Miller (20th century)