Which one of the following statement regarding potato is correct?

Botanically, the potato (Solanum tuberosum) is classified as a modified underground stem known as a stem tuber [t1][t2]. Unlike true roots, potato tubers possess characteristic stem features such as nodes and internodes, commonly referred to as 'eyes' [t2][t7]. These eyes contain buds that can give rise to fresh green shoots and roots, a process utilized in vegetative propagation [c1][c2]. The tuber develops from the distal ends of underground stems called stolons, which swell to store starch and energy for the plant [t4][t8]. This distinguishes it from the sweet potato, which is a modified root (tuberous root) lacking nodes and internodes [t2][t6]. While potatoes grow underground, their anatomical structure—including the presence of buds and the ability to produce branches—confirms they are modified stems rather than roots [t3][t9].

Sources

1. [1] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378429003000546
2. [2] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: How do Organisms Reproduce? > Activity 7.5 > p. 118
3. [3] Science ,Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 13: Our Home: Earth, a Unique Life Sustaining Planet > Activity 13.3: Let us find out > p. 221