Multiple choice

Which of the following correctly defines 'Tuber'?

  1. It is a short, and swollen underground stem that bears buds and adventitious roots.

  2. It is a swollen underground stem that bears axillary buds in the axils of scale leaves.

  3. It is a modified stem, which contains one or more axillary buds that form the shoot of the new plant.

  4. It is a swollen, and vertical underground stem that comprises a swollen base surrounded by scale leaves.

  5. A stem that grows obliquely upwards and arches over to the ground at a node.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

A tuber is botanically defined as a swollen underground stem that stores nutrients and bears axillary buds in the axils of scale leaves (reduced leaves). Examples include potatoes and yams. Unlike roots, tubers have buds ('eyes') that can grow into new plants. Option A incorrectly describes roots, option C describes bulbs, option D describes corms, and option E describes stolons/runners.

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