What physical markings along the ginger rhizome indicate it is a stem and not a true root?
Answer
Remnants of leaf scars or nodes
Distinguishing features of a stem, rather than a root, are visible on the rhizome when examined closely. The small, often slightly indented markings visible along the length of the edible portion are the remnants of leaf scars or nodes. These nodes are characteristic features of a stem structure. These same nodes are biologically significant because they are the points from which new shoots and roots can emerge, facilitating the plant's horizontal spread. True roots, conversely, are typically finer, hair-like structures that branch off the main body for absorption.
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