Bulb

Definition

A bulb is an underground storage organ composed of a short stem surrounded by fleshy, modified leaves or leaf bases. Bulbs store nutrients and energy to ensure plant survival and regrowth during unfavorable conditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Bulbs are classified into two main types: tunicate bulbs (with a papery covering) and non-tunicate bulbs (without a papery covering).
2. Common examples of plants that grow from bulbs include onions, tulips, and lilies.
3. Bulbs can serve as a means of vegetative reproduction, allowing plants to produce clones of themselves.
4. During dormancy, the bulb remains inactive but retains enough nutrients to support new growth when conditions improve.
5. The structure of a bulb includes layers called scales or leaves that store food reserves like carbohydrates.

Review Questions

• What are the main components of a bulb?
• How do bulbs contribute to a plant's ability to survive unfavorable conditions?
• Can you name at least two plants that reproduce using bulbs?

Related terms

Corm:

A corm is an underground storage organ similar to a bulb but consists mainly of stem tissue rather than modified leaves.

Rhizome:

A rhizome is an underground stem that grows horizontally and can produce new shoots and roots at nodes along its length.

Tuber: A tuber is an enlarged, fleshy underground stem or root that stores nutrients and has buds capable of producing new plants.