Characteristics of Growth
Fundamental properties of plant growth, including its indeterminate and measurable nature.
What is Characteristics of Growth?
The ability of plants to grow throughout their life due to the presence of meristems.
Key formula / rule: Growth Rate (Simple)
Key points
- Define plant growth and its metabolic nature.
- Distinguish between primary and secondary growth.
- Identify different parameters used to measure growth in specific plant parts.
- Explain the 'open' form of plant growth.
Common exam trap
Confusing 'open growth' with 'open circulation'; in plants, 'open' refers to the lifelong capacity for meristematic activity.
Definitions
- Term
Indeterminate Growth
- Meaning
The ability of plants to grow throughout their life due to the presence of meristems.
- Term
Open Form of Growth
- Meaning
A process where new cells are always being added to the plant body by the activity of the meristem.
Learning objectives
Define plant growth and its metabolic nature.
Distinguish between primary and secondary growth.
Identify different parameters used to measure growth in specific plant parts.
Explain the 'open' form of plant growth.
Formulae
- Name
Growth Rate (Simple)
- Note
Where W1 is final size, W0 is initial size, and t is time.
- Expression
GR = (W1 - W0) / t
Prerequisites
Basic understanding of plant tissues (Meristematic vs Permanent).
Knowledge of cell division (Mitosis).
Concept of Metabolism (Anabolism and Catabolism).
Common mistakes
Confusing 'open growth' with 'open circulation'; in plants, 'open' refers to the lifelong capacity for meristematic activity.
Assuming all plant parts grow indefinitely; while the plant body is indeterminate, organs like leaves and flowers show determinate growth.
Ignoring the difference between fresh weight (variable) and dry weight (stable).
Keywords
Meristem
Irreversible
Indeterminate
Metabolism
Dry Weight
Practice preview
At a cellular level, growth is principally a consequence of the increase in the amount of which of the following?…
medium
Which of the following properties of plant growth refers to the ability of plants to retain the capacity for unlimited growth throughout their life due to the presence of meristems at certain locations in their body?…
easy
Identify the INCORRECT statement regarding the parameters used to measure plant growth.…
hard