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Room for moving and storing water, dissolved nutrients, and byproducts of photosynthesis are the reasons for a cactus having a big stem.
Specifically, water and nutrients need to be on hand for the photosynthetic interaction with sunlight to make energizing food. In many other plants, photosynthesis takes place in the leaves while storage takes place there and elsewhere. But the cactus needs plenty of space for both the photosynthesis and the storage that take place in the plant's stem.
Additionally, stem size is increased by the thick outer wall. The wall and such protections as waxy coatingsguard the stem against environmental stresses such as strong sunlight and little moisture. They also defend the stem against environmental stressors such as predatory pests and pathogens.
What else can I help you with?
How does cactus adapd to desert life?
Cacti are able to store water in their fleshy stems.
Are cactus plants trees?
They are succulent plants, having thick fleshy leaves or stems to store water
Why is the stem of cactus fleshy?
Cacti have thick, fleshy stems because water is stored in them. The stems are green so that cacti can live by photosynthesis, the process by which organisms containing chlorophyll transform light energy into chemical energy. ... Thick, waxy coating on succulent stems of cacti keeps water from evaporating from inside.
Why the stem of cactus is deep and fleshy?
Cacti have thick, fleshy stems because water is stored in them. The stems are green so that cacti can live by photosynthesis, the process by which organisms containing chlorophyll transform light energy into chemical energy. ... Thick, waxy coating on succulent stems of cacti keeps water from evaporating from inside.
An example of a xerophyte would be?
A cactus is an example of a xerophyte. Its ability to store water in its fleshy stems allows it to thrive in arid conditions with little rainfall.
What does cacti mean?
"Cacti" is the plural form of "cactus," which refers to a type of plant known for its thick, fleshy stems and spines. Cacti are adapted to arid environments and are able to store water in their stems to survive in dry conditions.
Is cactus an herb or tree?
No, cactus is not a vine even though it may be herbaceous or woody. Bushes, shrubs, trees and vines maintain stems, trunks and twigs of woody tissue while herbs manifest fleshy tissue. A cactus plant offers fleshy, succulent, thickened stems and sometimes shrub-like heights even though only the cactus genus Pereskia shows mature bark-covered stems and persistent leaves.
What is the kingdom of the cactus?
In taxonomy (organization of living things), the "Kingdom" is the broadest classification of any living. Cacti are plants; therefore, the kingdom of the cactus is the plant kingdom.
What is in the cactus that enables it to live?
A cactus can store water in its fleshy stem and this enables it to survive periods of drought.
Why are cacti fleshy?
Cacti have fleshy stems to store water in arid environments, helping them survive long periods of drought. This adaptation allows cacti to minimize water loss and thrive in dry conditions, making them well-suited for deserts and other water-scarce habitats.
Why do cacti have juicy stems?
Cacti have juicy stems primarily to store water, which is essential for their survival in arid environments. The thick, fleshy stems are adapted to retain moisture, allowing the plant to endure long periods of drought. Additionally, the juicy stems help with photosynthesis, as they contain chlorophyll, enabling the cactus to convert sunlight into energy while minimizing water loss.
What plants have underground stems?
Cactus
