Question

A slender lateral branch arises from the base of the main axis and after growing aerially for some time arch downwards to touch the ground. Such type of modification is
(a) Runner
(b) Sucker
(c) Stolon
(d) Offset

Answer 1

Hint: They function as storage tissues for food and nutrients, propagation of the latest clones, and extension from one season to the next. Examples of this modification include mint and jasmine, which are horizontal stems.

Complete answer: Stolon is a type of modification that is a slender lateral branch that arises from the bottom of the main axis and after growing aerially for a few hours arch downwards to touch the bottom. Underground stems are modified plants that produce from stem tissue but live inside the soil surface. Stolon runs at or just below the soil surface with nodes that root and long internodes, the ends produce new plants.
Runner - It is an underground stem of some plants spread to new niches and when older parts die new plants are formed. e.g., grass and strawberry
Offset - An offset is the lower part of a single culm with the rhizome axis basal to it and its roots. Planting of these is the most convenient way of propagating bamboo.
Sucker - Also known as root sprouts, suckers are plant stems which arise from buds on the base of parent plants stems or on roots. Examples of plants that use suckers include apple and banana trees.

So, the correct answer is ‘Stolon’.

Note: Plants have two axes of growth, which can be best seen from seed germination and growth. Seedlings evolve two structures or axes of growth, one that grows upward out of the soil, called stems, and structures that grow downward, are called roots.