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NEETBiologyMorphology of Flowering PlantsClass 11

Is a potato a root or a stem — and how can you actually tell?

A potato is a modified underground STEM (a stem tuber), not a root.

A potato is a modified underground STEM (a stem tuber), not a root. The giveaway is its 'eyes': each eye is a node bearing an axillary bud that can sprout into a new shoot — and only stems have nodes, internodes and buds. Roots never bear buds like this. The potato simply swells with stored starch, but its stem features remain, which is also why you can grow a new plant from a piece with an eye.

Key point

A potato is a stem tuber — its 'eyes' are nodes with buds, a stem-only feature.

Common mistake

calling the potato a root just because it grows underground.

Memory tip

buds and nodes = stem; the potato's eyes prove it's a stem.

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