The key difference between node and internode is that the node is the point on a stem where a leaf or a bud or a branching twig originates while internode is the distance or the area between two adjacent nodes.
Plant stem is one of the main parts of a plant. In the plant stem, we can see nodes and internodes. Both nodes and internodes are important structures for holding the leaves, for the photosynthesis, for branching and determining the height of the plant.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is a Node
3. What is an Internode
4. Similarities Between Node and Internode
5. Side by Side Comparison – Node vs Internode in Tabular Form
6. Summary
What is a Node?
Node is an important part of a plant stem. It is the point on a stem where a leaf or a bud or a branching twig originates. Conifers have nodes very close to each other. Hence, leaves appear as dense leaves or clusters. When the nodes are closer, the length of the internode becomes short. Leaves are the plant parts that carry out photosynthesis and produce foods for the entire plant and to other heterotrophs like us. Hence, plants need more leaves and the leaves should be nicely directed towards the sunlight to capture more light during the daytime. Therefore, nodes are important in originating leaves and also holding leaves upright to capture light and prevent respiration.
Moreover, the number of leaves originating at a node varies according to the plant species. But one leaf per node is the most common way. In the nodes of the plants, there is a great cellular activity. Identification of a node in a plant is easy since there can be scars or a leaf, or a bud or a branch at the node.
What is an Internode?
Internode is the area of the stem that lies between two adjacent nodes. The length of the internode varies among the different plant species. Furthermore, the number of internodes also varies among varied plant species. Length together with the number of internodes determines the height of the plant.
If the number of leaves is the same between a tall plant and a dwarf plant, the variable character is the length of the internode. Length of the internode is higher in the tall plant than the dwarf plant. The length of the internode decreases when the growing season ends. At internode area, the cells have the ability to elongate and contribute to the plant height.
