Origin of Leaves Leaves develop on the flanks of the tips of stems as outgrowths of apical meristems. A node is the point where a leaf or leaves attach to the stem. An internode is the region on the stem between two nodes. A bud is an undeveloped shoot of mostly meristematic tissue covered by modified leaves. Terminal buds occur at the shoot tips.
Lateral buds form in the upper angles where the leaf is attached to the stem.
Buds give rise to leaves, flowers, or both. Root Primary Structure Roots absorb water and minerals, anchor plants in the soil, and store food produced by photosynthesis in plant parts located above them. In most dicots, the primary root emerges from the seedling, increases in diameter, and grows downward. Lateral roots emerge sideways along its length. The primary root plus lateral roots form the taproot system.