The stem is an essential part of a plant that connects the roots to the leaves and provides support to the plant, holding leaves, flowers, and buds/30%3A_Plant_Form_and_Physiology/30.02%3A_Stems_-Functions_of_Stems). The primary function of the stem is to conduct water and minerals from the roots to the leaves and other parts of the plant, including the flowers, fruits, and buds. The stem also helps to transport the products of photosynthesis (i.e., sugars) from the leaves to the rest of the plant/30%3A_Plant_Form_and_Physiology/30.02%3A_Stems-Functions_of_Stems). Additionally, the stem provides mechanical support to the plant, holding it upright to help it grow towards sunlight. The stem may also store food for the plant/30%3A_Plant_Form_and_Physiology/30.02%3A_Stems-_Functions_of_Stems). The stem supports leaves, flowers, and fruits, and it is the main transportation route of water from the roots to the leaves. Some plants use their stem for photosynthesis before the leaves have developed, and stop using their stem for photosynthesis once the leaves have grown.