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Samiksha Gupta

Updated on 02nd May, 2023 , 3 min read

What is the Difference between Nodes and Internodes?

Nodes and Internodes Overview 

Node refers to the place from which a leaf emerges. "Internode" is the term for the area between any two adjacent nodes.

The stem contains two structural components called nodes and internodes. One of the two structural components of a vascular plant is the stem. Axillary buds on nodes can grow into branches, flowers, or cones, while internodes are in charge of the stem's extension. 

What is the Difference between Nodes and Internodes?

The following table lists some of the key differences between nodes and internodes along with basis of differentiation:

Basis

Nodes

internodes 

Meaning 

Node refers to the leaf's point of attachment.

The internode is the area between the two nodes.

Identification 

This area can be recognized by the presence of scars, buds, leaves, or branches.

absence of any remnants, such as buds, leaves, or branches, or any scars.

Cellular activity 

Nodes are areas that experience rapid cellular growth and activity.

The length of the plant is increased by the internode's activity, which maximizes the space between the nodes.

Axillary bud

An axillary bud is present.

Contains no axillary bud.

Function 

bear buds, which may grow into cones, flowers, or branches.

responsible for extending the stem's length.

Also read about- Difference between Solid, Liquid and Gas.

What are Nodes?

A node is a structural component of a vascular plant's stem that creates a small swelling in the stem. Nodes have generative structures like axillary buds, flower buds, or cone buds as well as scars. The axillary buds are in charge of branch development. Some plant nodes also produce aerial roots.

Identifying Nodes 

  1. At the top of each leaflet, the node has a lateral bud that can develop into a branch, flower, or aerial root. 
  2. Even if the leaf is not present, the nodes can be easily distinguished by the leaf's fallen scar.
  3. For the growth of the branches, the stem must have two nodes, one of which must be above ground and the other buried underground.
  4. The stem at the top of the nodes is cut to create the new branches.
  5. It is in charge of vegetative reproduction.  

Also read more about the- Difference Between Tendon and Ligament.

What are Internodes?

The area of the stem between two nodes that follow one another is known as the internode. The internode's length creates the necessary separation between the two following nodes. However, some plants, like dwarf conifers, have internodes that are always short. These plants can therefore be pruned or sheared into various shapes. 

Read more about the Gemmules.

Identifying internodes 

  1. The internodes of tall plants are longer than those of short plants, which have shorter internodes. 
  2. The length of the internodes shortens as soon as the growing season is over.
  3. Since internodes contain xylem and phloem, their primary function is transportation.
  4. Internode lengths and numbers vary between plant species, as well as between the number of internodes. 
  5. The lengthening of a plant is caused by the internode. 
  6. Water is moved from the roots to the leaves by the xylem.
  7. Food is moved from leaves to storage areas by the phloem.

Also read about- Father Of Biology and Father of Botany

Similarities Between Nodes and Internodes

Following are some similarities that can be found between nodes and internodes:

  1. A vascular plant's stem contains two structures called node and internode. 
  2. Both serve distinct stem-related purposes.
  3. The most active cells are both internode and node cells.
  4. The plant's structure is determined by the node and internode structures.

Also read about- Difference Between Manure and Fertilizer and Thallophyta.

Points to Remember

  1. A vascular plant's stem contains two structures: a node and an internode.
  2. Internodes are the portion of the plant stem between two constructive nodes, whereas nodes are the part of the plant stem from which the growth of leaves occurs.
  3. Axillary buds are present in the nodes but not in the internodes.

Also read about- Difference Between Cyclic and Noncyclic Photophosphorylation.

Conclusion 

A node is a small growth on a vascular plant's stem that is distinguished by the presence of an axillary bud or scar that will eventually become a branch. Nodes may also contain flower or cone buds in addition to axillary buds. The portion of the stem between two adjacent nodes is known as an internode. It is in charge of making the plant grow taller. Therefore, structure and function are what distinguish a node from an internode.

Also read about- Difference between Chordates and Non- Chordates

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Frequently Asked Questions

Ans. The organized components of the stem of the vascular plant are called nodes and internodes.

Ans. There are nodes and internodes on every plant stem, but some plants make it easier to see them than others. For instance, many kinds of grasses and bamboo have hollow internodes and distinct, solid nodes.

Ans. Internodes are the parts of plant structure found between nodes.

Ans. Ginger, onions, and garlic are also tree stems, not tree roots. Nodes and internodes are present on all plant stems, but they are more visible on some plants than others. For instance, a variety of grasses and bamboo have hollow internodes and distinct, solid nodes.

Ans. An axillary bud is present in nodes but absent in internodes.

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