Question

Which of the following is the subaerial stem modification with long internodes?
A. Rhizome
B. Offset
C. Runner
D. Sucker

Answer 1

The stem is a part of a plant that connects roots to the leaves. The stem helps to transport water and minerals from roots to different parts of the plants and food prepared in the leaves to the roots and other parts. In some species of plants, the stem becomes modified in a particular habitat and environment.

Complete answer:
The plants show different types of stem modifications. These are runner, stolon, rhizome, corm, bulb, thorn, sucker, tuber, cladode, and many more.
From these modifications, some are underground, some are subaerial modification, whereas some are aerial modification. The underground modification is used for food storage. Subaerial stem modification shows vegetative propagation. On the contrary, aerial modification has special functions such as climbing, protection, storage, and many more.
From the given options, runners are modified stems that are present horizontally and have long internodes. They grow along the surface of the ground. On the contrary, offset contains only one internode, and sucker does not have an internode.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C).

Note: The modified stem differs from the plant’s stem. The stem is modified according to the function. The modified stem performs various functions, such as storage of food, transpiration check, vegetative propagation, climbing, and protection. The underground stem modifications are rhizome, bulb, corm, and tuber. The rhizomes are mainly fleshy because they store food. The bulb may be scaly or tunicated. The tubers are also a fleshy part because they also store food.