Structure and Functions of Plant Stems — NEET Biology
📚 Practice ConceptThe main function of the stem is spreading out branches bearing leaves, flowers and fruits. It conducts water, minerals and photosynthates. Some stems perform the function of storage of food, support, protection and of vegetative propagation.
Which of the following statements about the stem are correct? S1: The stem develops from the plumule of the embryo and characteristically possesses regions called nodes where leaves are borne, separated by internodes. S2: Axillary buds, located in the axil of leaves, have the potential to develop into branches, whereas terminal buds contribute to the primary growth of the main stem axis. S3: Besides bearing leaves, flowers, and fruits, stems are also involved in the conduction of water, minerals, and photosynthates. S4: While stems primarily spread branches and conduct substances, they rarely perform functions like food storage, support, or vegetative propagation. S5: Stems are always aerial, erect, and woody, never modified for underground food storage or protection.
View solution & NCERT explanation
Correct answer: A — S1, S2, S3 only
The question assesses the understanding of stem characteristics, development, and functions as described in NCERT. S1: Correct. According to NCERT, "The stem... develops from the plumule of the embryo... The stem bears nodes and internodes. The region of the stem where leaves are born are called nodes while internodes are the portions between two nodes." S2: Correct. NCERT states, "The axillary bud later develops into a branch." Terminal buds are responsible for apical growth, leading to primary elongation of the main axis. S3: Correct. NCERT mentions, "The main function of the stem is spreading out branches bearing leaves, flowers and fruits. It conducts water, minerals and photosynthates." S4: Incorrect. NCERT clearly states, "Some stems perform the function of storage of food, support, protection and of vegetative propagation." Thus, stating they 'rarely' perform these functions is false. S5: Incorrect. NCERT states, "Stem is generally green when young and later often become woody and dark brown." 'Always' and 'never' are incorrect. Also, stems can be modified for underground food storage or protection, contradicting 'never modified'. Therefore, statements S1, S2, and S3 are correct.
What does NCERT say about main function stem spreading?
Has this concept appeared in NEET?
Which chapter is this from?
Through deep analysis of NEET and NTA, 176 of the 180 ReNEET 2026 (June 21) questions were already in the MedicNEET question bank before the exam.
176/180MedicNEET's Biology question bank is built from the same NCERT lines NTA picks repeatedly. Not random MCQs — questions crafted exactly like NTA crafts them.