Most reduced stem occurs in

Options

A. Corm
B. Rhizome
C. Stem tuber
D. Bulb

Answer

To determine which of the given options represents the most reduced stem, we will analyze each option step by step.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Options**: The options provided are:
- Corm
- Rhizome
- Stem tuber
- Bulb

2. **Definition of Each Option**:
- **Corm**: A corm is a swollen underground stem that serves as a storage organ. It is a short, vertical, swollen stem that is covered with dry, scale-like leaves. An example is the gladiolus.
- **Rhizome**: A rhizome is a horizontal underground stem that grows horizontally and can produce new shoots and roots. An example is ginger.
- **Stem Tuber**: A stem tuber is a swollen part of a stem that stores nutrients. The most common example is the potato.
- **Bulb**: A bulb is a short underground stem surrounded by fleshy leaves that store food. An example is the onion.

3. **Analyzing the Structure**:
- The corm, rhizome, and stem tuber are all modified stems that serve primarily for storage and vegetative reproduction.
- The bulb, however, consists of a very short stem with fleshy leaves and is considered the most reduced form of a stem because it has adapted to store nutrients in a compact form.

4. **Conclusion**: Among the options, the bulb is the most reduced stem structure. It is characterized by its compactness and efficiency in storing nutrients, which is essential for the plant's survival during unfavorable conditions.

### Final Answer:
The most reduced stem occurs in **bulb** (example: onion).

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