What Do Stems Do

Key Notes :

Support for the Plant

• The stem helps to hold up the plant and supports the leaves, flowers, and fruits.
• It keeps the plant upright so it can grow toward the sunlight.

Transporting Water and Nutrients

• Stems act like highways, moving water and nutrients from the roots to the leaves and other parts of the plant.
• They also carry food made in the leaves to the rest of the plant.

Connecting Roots and Leaves

• The stem links the roots (which absorb water) to the leaves (which make food through photosynthesis).

Storing Food and Water

• Some plants store extra food and water in their stems.
• Examples: Sugarcane stores sugar, and cactus stems store water.

Helping Plants Grow Taller

• Stems allow plants to grow taller so they can reach more sunlight for photosynthesis.

Special Features in Some Plants

• Some stems, like those of grapevines, can climb to get closer to sunlight.
• Other stems, like potato stems, grow underground and store food.

Protection

• Some stems have thorns (e.g., roses) to protect the plant from animals.

Fun Fact:

• Did you know bamboo stems grow very fast? Some can grow up to 3 feet in one day!

Let’s practice!