Difference between stem and root

Last update: 06/05/2023
Author: Sebastian Vidal

What are the stem and the root?

The stem and the root are two important parts of the plants. Both have different functions and features that set them apart. The stem is the part of the plant that grows upward, while the root is the part that grows downward from the ground.

stem functions

The stem has several important functions. It is the part of the plant that supports the leaves, flowers and fruits. It is also responsible for transporting water and nutrients from the roots to the leaves and other parts of the plant. The stem is also responsible for photosynthesis in some plants, where the leaves are not designed to perform this function.

root functions

The root also has several important functions. It is the part of the plant that is responsible for absorbing water and nutrients from the soil. It is also responsible for anchoring the plant in the ground, ensuring that it does not fall or become dislodged in the wind. Another important function of the root is that it helps store food and nutrients for the plant in times of scarcity.

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Differences between stem and root

Shape and location

One of the most obvious differences between the stem and the root is their shape and location. The stem is generally thinner than the root and grows upward, while the root grows downward and is generally thicker than the stem. Additionally, the stem is usually above the ground, while the root is below it.

Functions

As mentioned above, the stem and root have different functions. The stem supports the leaves, flowers and fruits, while the root absorbs water and nutrients and anchors the plant in the soil.

Internal structure

The internal structure of the stem and root is also different. The stem has vascular tissue in the form of xylem and phloem, which transports water and nutrients from one end of the stem to the other. The root, on the other hand, has root hairs that absorb water and nutrients from the soil and a vascular tissue called a pericycle that surrounds the root.

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Conclusions

In summary, both the stem and the root are important parts of plants and have different and complementary functions. The stem is responsible for supporting and transporting while the root is responsible for absorbing and anchoring. It is important to understand the differences between these two parts in order to understand the general functioning of plants.

List of important words:

  • stem
  • root
  • functions
  • water
  • nutrients
  • photosynthesis
  • absorb
  • anchor