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:

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