Life Movements in Plants, Volume IIBose, Jagadis Chandra
Science
Life Movements in Plants, Volume II
Bose, Jagadis Chandra
Growth (Plants); Plants -- Irritability and movements
Various analogies have been noticed between phototropic and geotropic
reactions, and it has been supposed that the two phenomena are closely
related to each other. This has even led to assumption that there are
phototropic particles which function like statoliths in geotropic
organs. There is, however, certain outstanding difference between the
two classes of phenomena. In the case of light, the incident energy is
entirely derived from the outside. But in geotropism, the force of
gravity by itself is ineffective without the intervention of the weight
of cell-contents to exert pressure on the sensitive ectoplasm, and thus
induce stimulation. This aspect of the subject will be treated in
greater detail in a subsequent chapter.
POSITIVE PHOTOTROPIC CURVATURE.
I shall now describe the phototropic effect of unilateral light in
pulvinated, and in growing organs. From the explanation that has already
been given, it will be understood that the side of the organ directly
acted on by light undergoes contraction and concavity.
_Tropic curvature of pulvinated organs: Experiment 117._--For this
experiment I employed the terminal leaflet of the bean plant. The
source of illumination was 32 c.p. electric lamp, enclosed in a metallic
tube with circular aperture for passage of light. The leaflet was
attached to an Oscillating Recorder. Light was applied on the upper half
of the pulvinus for 20 seconds; this induced an up-movement of the
leaflet, due to the contraction of the upper half of the organ. Recovery
took place in course of 8 minutes (Fig. 112).
[Illustration: FIG. 112.--Successive positive responses of the terminal
leaflet of bean. Light applied from above for 20 seconds; complete
recovery in 8 minutes.]
POSITIVE PHOTOTROPIC CURVATURE OF GROWING ORGANS.
_Effect of moderate stimulation: Experiment 118._--I shall presently
show that the intensity of phototropic reaction depends on the
intensity and duration of the incident light. A moderate and effective
stimulation may thus be produced by short exposure to strong light. For
my present experiment I took a stem of _Dregea volubilis_, and applied
light from a small arc lamp to one side of the organ for 1 minute; this
induced a positive curvature followed by complete recovery on the
cessation of light (Fig. 113).
[Illustration: FIG. 113.--Positive curvature under moderate phototropic
stimulation. Note complete recovery (_Dregea_).]
[Illustration: FIG. 114.--Persistent positive curvature under stronger
stimulation (_Dregea_).]
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