Stems perform several functions like producing leaves, branches, and flowers. They transport substances between roots and leaves and hold leaves up towards sunlight. Monocots have vascular bundles arranged in the stem, while dicots and gymnosperms have vascular bundles arranged in cylinders with xylem and phloem tissue. Primary growth occurs through cell division at the stem tip in all seed plants, resulting in increased length. Secondary growth occurs through thickness, with cork cambium forming the outer covering and vascular cambium between vascular tissues producing new layers of xylem wood.

1. Section 23.3 STEMS By Bryce Manning Mr. Collins/ Petersen 6* 3-25-10

2. Stem Structure and Function Stems produce leaves, branches, and flowers They hold leaves up in the sunlight Transport substances between roots and leaves

3. Monocot & Dicot Stems Monocots have vascular bundles in the stem. Dicots & most gymnosperms have vascular bundles that each contain xylem and phloem tissue and are arranged in cylinders

4. Primary Growth of Stems The growth that’s only at the end of plants is called primary growth Primary growth is the result of cell division in the apical meristem. This happens in all seed plants

5. Secondary Growth When a stem grows in width instead of length Cork cambium makes the outer covering of the stem Vascular cambium is the thin layer between vascular tissue What we call wood is layers of xylem formed together

6. Bibliography Works Cited Photograph. Web. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epidermis_(botany)>. Photograph. Web. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plant_stem>. Photograph. Web. <http://www.canstockphoto.com/frog-on-plant-stem-isolated-2072445.html>. Photograph. Web. <http://www.phschool.com/science/biology_place/biocoach/plants/stems.html>. http://bcs.whfreeman.com/thelifewire/content/chp35/35020.html