Question

The potatoes are called modified stem because of:
A. Eye of potato
B. Tuber
C. Bud
D. Both A and B

Answer 1

Hint: Eyes of potato are new seedlings from which new potatoes can grow whereas buds of potatoes are relatively small and are exposed to heat and such moisture conditions. Besides, tuber is a swollen or thickened part of potato from which new plants can also grow.

Complete answer:
Stolons are horizontally oriented stems that grow along with the soil surface. They help in vegetative reproduction. Potatoes or Solanum tuberosum is a worldwide mostly consumable vegetable. It is a part of the stem which is swollen and can grow underground. More or less 10-20 potatoes can grow from one single potato plant in on time cultivation. Though potato seems to be a root, it is a stem. It is actually a modified stem usually called tuber. As the tubers grow underground, they are connected by small stem sections called stolons. Besides, there are small notches or pits present in potatoes from which new potato buds can grow. Potato remains in irregular shape (round, oval, cylindrical etc.) which is a prime character of tubers. Like other plants, potatoes store excess amounts of glucose from their prepared food in the modified stem which makes a solid-tuberous structure. This is why potatoes are also called tuberous stems. Eyes of potatoes are axillary buds that contain several small buds at each side. Sometimes buds can expand to form new shoots which later grow on to make new plants.

Hence, potatoes are called modified stem because of (B) Tuber.

Note: This question is actually a tricky one. Every alternative seems to have an equal meaning. So, before attempting this, first make clear the difference between eye and bud of potato and also the structure, morphology and function of the tuber.