Ginger is an underground stem. It is distinguished from the root because

A) It lacks chlorophyll

B) It stores food

C) It has nodes and internodes

D) It has xylem and vessels

Ginger is indeed an interesting plant, and understanding its structure helps clarify why it is classified as an underground stem rather than a root. The correct answer to your question is C) It has nodes and internodes. Let’s break this down further to see why this distinction is important.

Understanding Plant Structures

Plants have various structures that serve different functions, and both stems and roots play crucial roles in their growth and survival. However, they have distinct characteristics that set them apart.

Defining Stems and Roots

• Stems: These are the main support structures of a plant. They typically have nodes (points where leaves or branches attach) and internodes (the segments between nodes). Stems can be above ground or, as in the case of ginger, below ground.
• Roots: These primarily anchor the plant in the soil and absorb water and nutrients. Roots generally do not have nodes or internodes.

Why Ginger is a Stem

Ginger, scientifically known as Zingiber officinale, is classified as a rhizome, which is a type of underground stem. Here’s why:

• Presence of Nodes and Internodes: Ginger has distinct nodes and internodes, which are visible when you look at a piece of ginger. The nodes can give rise to new shoots and leaves, while the internodes connect these nodes.
• Storage of Food: While ginger does store food, this characteristic is not exclusive to stems. Roots can also store nutrients, so this alone does not differentiate ginger from roots.
• Lack of Chlorophyll: While it’s true that ginger lacks chlorophyll, this feature is not a defining characteristic of stems versus roots. Many stems, especially those that are underground, also lack chlorophyll.
• Xylem and Vessels: Both stems and roots contain xylem and phloem, which are essential for transporting water and nutrients. Therefore, this characteristic does not help in distinguishing ginger as a stem.

Conclusion

In summary, ginger is classified as an underground stem primarily because it has nodes and internodes. This structural feature allows it to grow and produce new shoots, which is a defining characteristic of stems. Understanding these differences not only helps in identifying plant structures but also enhances our appreciation of how plants adapt to their environments.