Question
Cut a transverse section of young stem of a plant from your school garden and observe it under the microscope. How would you ascertain whether it is a monocot stem or a dicot stem? Give reasons.
Solution
We would ascertain whether the given stem is a monocot stem or dicot stem by looking at some characteristics which are unique as to the particular type.
The dicots stem is characterised by the following unique characters:
i. vascular bundles are arranged in a
ii. Each vascular bundle is conjoint, collateral, and open.
iii. Medullary rays are present between the vascular bundles.
iv. Pith is present.
If these characters are observed in the given stem, then it a dicot stem
The monocot stem are characterised by the following unqiue characteristics:
1. Vascular bundles are scatttered.
2. Each vascular bundle is conjoint, collateral, and closed vascular bundles.
3. Medullary rays are absent. 
