branching
Quick Summary
The shoot system of vascular plants is comprised of stems and leaves, forming the aerial part of the plant. Stems provide structural support, conduct water and minerals from the roots, and transport food produced during photosynthesis. Leaves are the primary sites for photosynthesis. Branching, a key aspect of shoot development, typically occurs at the leaf axil, where a new shoot axis arises from a bud. This process, known as axillary branching, allows plants to develop multiple stems and leaves, contributing to their overall form and growth. The main stem, or terminal bud, often exerts dominance, influencing the growth rate of lateral branches.123
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