AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -rhizome, also called creeping rootstalk, horizontal underground plant stem capable of producing the shoot and root systems of a new plant. Rhizomes are used to store starches and proteins and enable plants to perennate (survive an annual unfavourable season) underground.

Detailed explanation-2: -Unlike roots, rhizomes have nodes. The nodes of rhizomes send out roots into the soil to perform asexual reproduction by vegetative propagation. Often roots grow from the bottom part of the rhizome while shoots grow from the upper portion of the nodes.

Detailed explanation-3: -The word “rhizome” even comes from the Greek word that means “mass of roots.” Yet, rhizomes are stems and not roots. The main difference between a rhizome and a root is that a root has no nodes or leaves. Roots function to attach plants to the ground, store food, and absorb water and nutrients.

Detailed explanation-4: -A rhizome is a modified stem that grows horizontally underground; it has nodes and internodes. Vertical shoots may arise from the buds on the rhizome of some plants, such as ginger and ferns. Corms are similar to rhizomes, except they are more rounded and fleshy (such as in gladiolus).

Detailed explanation-5: -Rhizomes are simply fleshy underground stems. They grow underground or right at ground level with many growing points or eyes similar to potatoes. Common examples of rhizomes include canna lilies, bearded Iris, ginger and bamboo.