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Answer: D. Both A and B
Did you know that potatoes are called modified stems? This is because they are tubers, or special underground stems that are capable of storing food. Moreover, they can grow into new plants. Potatoes can grow underground (just like roots) and have features that are similar to stems. For example, they have eyes or buds, nodes, and internodes. If you want to know in-depth why potatoes are called modified stems, you have the right page. Below, we have discussed the key features that make potatoes more like stems and less like roots.
Why is a Potato a Modified Stem?
A potato is called a modified stem for several reasons. First of all, potatoes can be grown underground just like roots. Secondly, they have tubers that develop from stolons (horizontal stems that can grow beneath the soil surface). As these stolons are filled with stored nutrients, they can turn into potatoes!
Key Features that Make Potatoes Stems
The following are the features that make potatoes more like stems
- Potatoes have buds (or eyes). There are small indentations on a potato that are buds. Moreover, each eye can grow into a new plant. This is a characteristic of a stem and not a root.
- They have nodes (where eyes are located) and inter-nodes (the spaces between nodes). These are also features of a steam.
- Potatoes form at the end of stolons or specialized underground stems. They don’t form out of roots.
- Besides this, they can produce short stems and leaves, and roots. This also demonstrates their stem origin.
How Does This Help the Plant?
The modification of stems into tubers permits the potato plant to effectively store nutrients. The stored energy is then used to support the survival of a plant during unfavorable circumstances. Moreover, it also helps the plant to regrow in the next season. Moreover, buds facilitate vegetative reproduction. This allows new plants to grow.
Potato vs. Sweet Potato – Not the Same!
A potato and a sweet potato are not the same. Botanically, potatoes are considered modified stems or tubers. On the other hand, sweet potatoes are considered modified roots. A sweet potato does not have buds or nodes that are found in normal potatoes. Hence, they don’t sprout in the same way.
Fun Fact for Students
Placing a potato in the dark in a warm place means you can notice sprouts rising from its eyes. This is the way a potato tries to grow a new plant. Its ability to sprout is a strong indication that potatoes are just modified stems.
Common Doubts
