What is the purpose of a plant stem?

Answer 1

Functions of the stem include:

1. Providing protection for the upper portions of the plant (those which normally carry the reproductive organs).

2. Protects the vascular system of the plant from environmental (weather), mechanical, insect or animal damage. In part the vascular system provides the stem with rigidity.

3. Contributes to the increase in surface area for photosynthesis, branches hold the leaves further away from the stem (where light levels can be lower), exposing more leaf area to the sun.

4. Stems also elevate the leaf canopy away from other plants which may be competing for the same sunlight (such as in dense jungles).

5. Transports water and minerals from roots to the leaves and prepared food to the roots and other plant parts.

The stem gives support and structure for the plant. The stem houses the xylem and phloem which transports water and nutrients from the root to other parts of the plant. It also protects from the leaves.

The stem on a plant works as the motorway of the plant. It transfers the nutrients collected by the roots to the actual flower and also anchors it into the ground.

Answer 2

The stem of a plant is one of the two main structural axes of a vascular plant, the other being the root. The also supports the rest of the plant above ground.

Answer 3

Plant stems hold the plant upright an carry nutrients from one part of the plant to the other.

Answer 4

Plant stems are very important to the health of plants. Plant stems carry water to the plant and keeps the plant standing upright so it can get sunlight. It also transports nutrients.

Answer 5

To transport water and nutrients to other parts of the plant.