1. Stems

2. Structure
Contains the xylem and phloem

3. Function
To connect the roots to the leaves and provide support for the plant
Water and nutrients are moved through the xylem and phloem

4. Forces behind the Water Movement
Water moves into the stem by root pressure and capillary action.

5. Capillary Action
Water can defy gravity by two of its physical properties – cohesion and adhesion.
Cohesion – water molecules attracted to other water molecules
Adhesion – water molecules attracted to other substances.
Working together, these forces move water upward.

6. Nutrient Movement
The phloem moves sugars made from photosynthesis from the leaves to the rest of the plant.
Sieve cells are cells that have small holes at each end of the cell wall. They allow dissolved sugars to flow through.

7. Vascular Bundles Monocot - xylem and phloem are scattered in the stem
Dicots – xylem and phloem are arranged in rings

8. Types of Stems
Herbaceous – soft and do not have layers of xylem to build them up.
Woody – have thick cell walls and provide support for the plant.

9. Stem Adaptations
Some stems grow underground like tubers, bulbs and rhizomes.