Stems



  • Plant stems vary according to dicot and monocot.
  • Stems show both primary & secondary growth.
  • Primary growth is extension along a stem

    • Tissues where this growth occurs are called primary meristems
  • Secondary growth occurs as an increase in diameter of the stem
    • Tissues where this occurs are called secondary meristems
Structure of the stem

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External Structure of a Stem
Monocot Stems
  • Monocot Stems are characterized by Vascular Bundles evenly distributed throughout the ground tissue
  • Vascular bundles are composed of both xylem & phloem and surrounded by a bundle sheath.
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Monocot Stem

Dicot Stems

  • Dicot stems are characterized by vascular bundles distributed radially around the stem perimeter
  • Vascular bundles consist of a layered design
  • Phloem tissue is located closest to the epidermis
  • Vascular cambium (site of secondary growth) is located nearer the center
  • Xylem tissue located nearest the center
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  • Woody Stems show similar tissue patterns.
  • Develop a layer of bark outside the epidermis of the stem
  • Develop annual rings which show growth of the tree over long periods of time.

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