The processes can be anabolic or catabolic.
Growth is defined as an irreversible constant increase in the size of an organ or even an individual cell. Put differently, growth is the most fundamental characteristics of living bodies accompanied by various metabolic processes that take place at the cost of energy. The processes can be anabolic or catabolic. When it comes to plants, the seeds germinate, develop into a seedling and acquires a shape of an adult plant are discrete stages of growth and the growth of Plants is indefinite. In the Biological term, there’s a minute difference between the terms growth and development. These words describe a separate set of events in an organism or plant. Growth refers to the increase in mass and size of a body. Development is the process where a particular organism, not only grows physically but acquires mental and physiological growth as well.
Growth takes place all through the lifetime, but variably. The rate of growth is faster until an entity matures. After attaining maturity, growth is gradual and slows down before it ceases. This entire process and phenomena, where an entity, physically grows, physiologically evolves, to attain mental growth and maturity is collectively referred to as Development. The process of development of shape and structure of a living organism is known as Morphogenesis, whereas Differentiation is the process of change in cells, tissues and internal & external organs.
Plants exhibit the ability of growth throughout their life. It is because of the presence of meristems at particular locations on the body and meristems have the capability to divide and self-perpetuate. Growth is measurable. Growth is the consequence of the increase in protoplasm and this rise is not easy to measure. Growth is measured by different methods such as the rise in dry weight, the number of cells, volume, hike in fresh weight or volume. The figure below shows the position of root apical meristem, vascular cambium and shoot apical meristem. The arrows show the growth direction of organs and cells . The growth of plants is classified into three phases: Formative Phase : The division of cells in the growth of plants is the most basic event. Every cell result in the division of cells that existed before. Mitosis is a kind of cell division that occurs during growth, and involves both qualitative and quantitative division of the cells. This division takes place in two steps: First, the division of the nucleus which is called as karyokinesis and division of cytoplasm known as cytokinesis. An increased number of cells are carried in higher plants on meristematic location and some daughter cells retain this meristematic occurrence while some enter the next phase of the growth, called as the phase of cell enlargement. Cell Differentiation and Cell Enlargement : At this stage, the size of organs and tissues increases and this occurs by the formation of Protoplasm, developing vacuoles, Hydration and then integrating the new cell wall to make it thicker and permanent. Cell Maturation : The enlarged cells at this stage acquire specific forms and size based on their role and location. Hence, various cells are differentiated from complex and simple tissues that perform different functions.
Hormones in animals and Growth regulators help plants to grow steadily. Let’s discuss some of the factors affecting growth in various living beings. It would be convenient if we divide these factors into two broad categories, namely – Internal and External Factors.
In humans, the Growth Hormone is known as Somatotropin. Plants also contain such hormones called – Auxins, Gibberellins, Cytokinins, Ethylene, Abscisic acid. These are also called Plant Growth Regulators.
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