3.3.2
MODIFIED PLANT
FOOD STORAGE ORGANS
Need to know
One example of a root, stem and leaf
modified as a food storage organ
ROOT MODIFIED TO STORE FOOD
Example
Carrot
Dicot plants, e.g. carrots
produce one main tap root
This root becomes fleshy
and swollen with stored starch
STEM MODIFIED TO STORE FOOD
Example
Potatoe
Potatoes have an
underground stem system
The tips of these stems become swollen with
stored starch
The swollen tips are called Tubers
Potatoe Tuber….a swollen stem tip
Apical Bud
Lenticel
Lateral Bud
LEAF MODIFIED TO STORE FOOD
Example
Onion bulb
Is a reduced underground stem
With fleshy leaves swollen with stored starch
Surrounding a central apical bud
Onion Bulb
Dry Scaley leaves
Fleshy leaves
Apical Bud
Reduced stem
Adventitious roots
Learning Check
Give an example of a stem modified to store
food.
Give an example of a root modified to store
food. In what form is the food stored ?
What is a bulb ?
See also section 3.6.1
Vegetative reproduction in plants
END