Question

What is a rhizome
(a) An underground stem with buds
(b) Stems running above and along the ground
(c) Spores
(d) The result of sexual reproduction
(e) Woody, underground stem

Answer 1

A type of stem modification and it is also the vegetative part of the plant that helps in vegetative propagation and it also helps in the storage of starch and proteins.

Complete step by step answer:
A rhizome is a type of stem modification where the adventitious roots are developed from the underground stem and those roots run along the ground and they come out which further develops into a new individual plant. This type of stem modification is seen in plants such as ginger, turmeric. When ginger is placed under moist soil it develops adventitious roots and gives rise to a whole new plant. This is a type of vegetative reproduction.

Additional information:
- In some plants such as ginger and turmeric starch and proteins are stored in rhizomes
- This helps the plant to survive under unfavorable conditions.
- Rhizome is the only stem part present in some plants like water lilies and ferns
- Axillary bud develops into a rhizome and grows horizontally has the ability to produce new roots and shoots
- Stolons are similar to rhizome but the difference is in stolons, they contain long internodes whereas in rhizomes it contains short internodes
- Due to the presence of starch and proteins in rhizomes, they get easily infected with microorganisms
- In order to overcome this rhizomes a be easily produced by the tissue culture method
So, the correct answer is 'stems running above and along the ground'.

Note:
- The thickened part of a stem tuber is called rhizome or the enlarged stolon which is used as a storage organ is called a rhizome.
- Examples of rhizomes are ginger-zingiber and Curcuma-turmeric.