Stems vs. Roots: Similarities and Differences

From Seed to Seed:
Plant Science for K-8 Educators

Digging Deeper

Stems vs. Roots: Similarities and Differences

In some cases, stems look similar to roots and they both transport water-so what's the difference? It's tempting to say that stems are above the ground and roots are below the ground-but that's not entirely accurate. One simple difference is that stems bear leaves and roots do not. Here are some other, less obvious, ways to distinguish stems from roots.

Similarity: Both stems and roots contain vascular tissue (xylem and phloem), the circulatory system of the plant.

Difference: In herbaceous stems, the vascular tissues are contained in bundles; these bundles sit relatively near the surface of the stem. In roots, the vascular tissues form a central core-a location where they are protected from the harsh activity of pushing through the soil. (We are referring to young, non-woody tissues.)

Similarity: Both stems and roots are able to initiate lateral growth; that is, to form "branches."

Difference: In stems, side branches arise from axillary buds. These buds are located at the nodes in the leaf axil (the point where the leaf attaches to the stem). Lateral roots, on the other hand, arise from deep within the root's tissue, near the central core. Roots don't have nodes or buds.

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