Potato is (underground) stem because it

Options

A. Possesses axillary buds (eyes)
B. Lacks chlorophyll
C. Does not bear roots
D. Contains reserve food

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Structure of Potato:**
- Potatoes are commonly known as tubers, which are specialized structures that serve as storage organs for plants. They grow underground and are often mistaken for roots.

2. **Identifying Characteristics of Potato:**
- Potatoes have certain characteristics that classify them as stems rather than roots. One of the key features is the presence of axillary buds, which are also referred to as "eyes" of the potato.

3. **Analyzing the Options:**
- Let's evaluate the given options:
- **Option 1: Possesses axillary buds.** This is true for potatoes as they have "eyes" which are axillary buds.
- **Option 2: Lacks chlorophyll.** While potatoes do lack chlorophyll, this characteristic does not define them as stems.
- **Option 3: Does not bear roots.** This is incorrect because potatoes do have roots.
- **Option 4: Contains reserve food.** While potatoes do store food, this characteristic alone does not classify them as stems.

4. **Conclusion:**
- The most defining characteristic that confirms that a potato is an underground stem is the presence of axillary buds. Therefore, the correct answer is **Option 1: Possesses axillary buds.**

**Final Answer:**
Potato is an underground stem because it possesses axillary buds.

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