What are plant movements? How do reversible and irreversible

Question

movements differ?

Answer 1

Plant movements refer to the various types of motion exhibited by plants in response to external stimuli such as light, gravity, touch, or changes in temperature or humidity. These movements enable plants to adapt and respond to their environment.

Reversible movements, also known as tropic movements, are temporary and can be reversed. They occur due to differential growth rates in different parts of a plant. Reversible movements can be further categorized into phototropism (response to light), gravitropism (response to gravity), thigmotropism (response to touch), and chemotropism (response to chemicals or nutrients).

- Phototropism: This is the growth or orientation of plants in response to light. Positive phototropism occurs when plants grow towards a light source, while negative phototropism occurs when plants grow away from light.
- Gravitropism: This is the growth or orientation of plants in response to gravity. In positive gravitropism, roots grow towards the force of gravity, while shoots grow against it (negative gravitropism).
- Thigmotropism: This is the movement of plants in response to touch or contact with surfaces. For example, tendrils of climbing plants wrapping around support or sensitive plant leaves folding when touched.
- Chemotropism: This is the movement of plants towards or away from chemicals or nutrients in the environment.

Irreversible movements, also known as nastic movements, are not influenced by the direction or intensity of the stimulus and cannot be reversed. They occur due to reversible changes in water pressure within plant cells. Irreversible movements are not directional and include movements such as leaf folding or opening, flower opening or closing, or rapid movements of carnivorous plants.

In summary, reversible movements in plants are temporary and can be reversed, while irreversible movements are permanent and cannot be reversed. These movements allow plants to respond and adapt to their surroundings, ultimately enhancing their chances of survival and reproduction.