DENDROLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Final answer: Stem holds the plant upright.

Detailed explanation-2: -Stems support the whole plant and help it to stand erect. It also helps in the transportation of food and water. At the same time, the function of leaves is to prepare food by the process called photosynthesis. Thus, it is not the leaf but it is the stem that holds the plant upright.

Detailed explanation-3: -Stem is an essential part of a plant that provides mechanical support to the whole plant body. Every other part of the plant except the one underground depends on the stem for support. This includes leaves, fruits, flowers, branches, etc.

Detailed explanation-4: -Parenchyma cells, which make up the bulk of the stem, are thin walled with large vacuoles. In leaves and stems of seedlings and small plants it is the water content of these cells that holds the plant erect.

Detailed explanation-5: -Stems may be herbaceous (soft) or woody in nature. Their main function is to provide support to the plant, holding leaves, flowers and buds; in some cases, stems also store food for the plant.