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Rodgers MJ, Staves MP. Mechanosensing and anesthesia of single internodal cells of Chara. PLANT SIGNALING & BEHAVIOR 2024; 19:2339574. [PMID: 38601988 PMCID: PMC11017945 DOI: 10.1080/15592324.2024.2339574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
The giant (2-3 × 10-2 m long) internodal cells of the aquatic plant, Chara, exhibit a rapid (>100 × 10-6 m s-1) cyclic cytoplasmic streaming which stops in response to mechanical stimuli. Since the streaming - and the stopping of streaming upon stimulation - is easily visible with a stereomicroscope, these single cells are ideal tools to investigate mechanosensing in plant cells, as well as the potential for these cells to be anesthetized. We found that dropping a steel ball (0.88 × 10-3 kg, 6 × 10-3 m in diameter) through a 4.6 cm long tube (delivering ca. 4 × 10-4 J) reliably induced mechanically-stimulated cessation of cytoplasmic streaming. To determine whether mechanically-induced cessation of cytoplasmic streaming in Chara was sensitive to anesthesia, we treated Chara internodal cells to volatilized chloroform in a 9.8 × 10-3 m3 chamber for 2 minutes. We found that low doses (15,000-25,000 ppm) of chloroform did not always anesthetize cells, whereas large doses (46,000 and higher) proved lethal. However, 31,000 ppm chloroform completely, and reversibly, anesthetized these cells in that they did not stop cytoplasmic streaming upon mechanostimulation, but after 24 hours the cells recovered their sensitivity to mechanostimulation. We believe this single-cell model will prove useful for elucidating the still obscure mode of action of volatile anesthetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manya J. Rodgers
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI, USA
| | - Mark P. Staves
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI, USA
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Jia X, Lin S, Zhang Q, Wang Y, Hong L, Li M, Zhang S, Wang T, Jia M, Luo Y, Ye J, Wang H. The Ability of Different Tea Tree Germplasm Resources in South China to Aggregate Rhizosphere Soil Characteristic Fungi Affects Tea Quality. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:2029. [PMID: 39124147 PMCID: PMC11314174 DOI: 10.3390/plants13152029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
It is generally recognized that the quality differences in plant germplasm resources are genetically determined, and that only a good "pedigree" can have good quality. Ecological memory of plants and rhizosphere soil fungi provides a new perspective to understand this phenomenon. Here, we selected 45 tea tree germplasm resources and analyzed the rhizosphere soil fungi, nutrient content and tea quality. We found that the ecological memory of tea trees for soil fungi led to the recruitment and aggregation of dominant fungal populations that were similar across tea tree varieties, differing only in the number of fungi. We performed continuous simulation and validation to identify four characteristic fungal genera that determined the quality differences. Further analysis showed that the greater the recruitment and aggregation of Saitozyma and Archaeorhizomyces by tea trees, the greater the rejection of Chaetomium and Trechispora, the higher the available nutrient content in the soil and the better the tea quality. In summary, our study presents a new perspective, showing that ecological memory between tea trees and rhizosphere soil fungi leads to differences in plants' ability to recruit and aggregate characteristic fungi, which is one of the most important determinants of tea quality. The artificial inoculation of rhizosphere fungi may reconstruct the ecological memory of tea trees and substantially improve their quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Jia
- College of Tea and Food, Wuyi University, Wuyishan 354300, China; (X.J.)
| | - Shaoxiong Lin
- College of Life Science, Longyan University, Longyan 364012, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- College of Tea and Food, Wuyi University, Wuyishan 354300, China; (X.J.)
| | - Yuhua Wang
- College of JunCao Science and Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Lei Hong
- College of Life Science, Longyan University, Longyan 364012, China
- College of JunCao Science and Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Mingzhe Li
- College of Life Science, Longyan University, Longyan 364012, China
| | - Shuqi Zhang
- College of Life Science, Longyan University, Longyan 364012, China
| | - Tingting Wang
- College of Life Science, Longyan University, Longyan 364012, China
| | - Miao Jia
- College of Tea and Food, Wuyi University, Wuyishan 354300, China; (X.J.)
| | - Yangxin Luo
- College of Life Science, Longyan University, Longyan 364012, China
| | - Jianghua Ye
- College of Tea and Food, Wuyi University, Wuyishan 354300, China; (X.J.)
| | - Haibin Wang
- College of Tea and Food, Wuyi University, Wuyishan 354300, China; (X.J.)
- College of Life Science, Longyan University, Longyan 364012, China
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Barbinta-Patrascu ME, Bita B, Negut I. From Nature to Technology: Exploring the Potential of Plant-Based Materials and Modified Plants in Biomimetics, Bionics, and Green Innovations. Biomimetics (Basel) 2024; 9:390. [PMID: 39056831 PMCID: PMC11274542 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics9070390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This review explores the extensive applications of plants in areas of biomimetics and bioinspiration, highlighting their role in developing sustainable solutions across various fields such as medicine, materials science, and environmental technology. Plants not only serve essential ecological functions but also provide a rich source of inspiration for innovations in green nanotechnology, biomedicine, and architecture. In the past decade, the focus has shifted towards utilizing plant-based and vegetal waste materials in creating eco-friendly and cost-effective materials with remarkable properties. These materials are employed in making advancements in drug delivery, environmental remediation, and the production of renewable energy. Specifically, the review discusses the use of (nano)bionic plants capable of detecting explosives and environmental contaminants, underscoring their potential in improving quality of life and even in lifesaving applications. The work also refers to the architectural inspirations drawn from the plant world to develop novel design concepts that are both functional and aesthetic. It elaborates on how engineered plants and vegetal waste have been transformed into value-added materials through innovative applications, especially highlighting their roles in wastewater treatment and as electronic components. Moreover, the integration of plants in the synthesis of biocompatible materials for medical applications such as tissue engineering scaffolds and artificial muscles demonstrates their versatility and capacity to replace more traditional synthetic materials, aligning with global sustainability goals. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the current and potential uses of living plants in technological advancements, advocating for a deeper exploration of vegetal materials to address pressing environmental and technological challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bogdan Bita
- Department of Electricity, Solid-State Physics and Biophysics, Faculty of Physics, University of Bucharest, 077125 Magurele, Romania;
- National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125 Magurele, Romania
| | - Irina Negut
- National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125 Magurele, Romania
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Jia X, Lin S, Wang Y, Zhang Q, Jia M, Li M, Chen Y, Cheng P, Hong L, Zhang Y, Ye J, Wang H. Recruitment and Aggregation Capacity of Tea Trees to Rhizosphere Soil Characteristic Bacteria Affects the Quality of Tea Leaves. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1686. [PMID: 38931118 PMCID: PMC11207862 DOI: 10.3390/plants13121686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
There are obvious differences in quality between different varieties of the same plant, and it is not clear whether they can be effectively distinguished from each other from a bacterial point of view. In this study, 44 tea tree varieties (Camellia sinensis) were used to analyze the rhizosphere soil bacterial community using high-throughput sequencing technology, and five types of machine deep learning were used for modeling to obtain characteristic microorganisms that can effectively differentiate different varieties, and validation was performed. The relationship between characteristic microorganisms, soil nutrient transformation, and tea quality formation was further analyzed. It was found that 44 tea tree varieties were classified into two groups (group A and group B) and the characteristic bacteria that distinguished them came from 23 genera. Secondly, the content of rhizosphere soil available nutrients (available nitrogen, available phosphorus, and available potassium) and tea quality indexes (tea polyphenols, theanine, and caffeine) was significantly higher in group A than in group B. The classification result based on both was consistent with the above bacteria. This study provides a new insight and research methodology into the main reasons for the formation of quality differences among different varieties of the same plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Jia
- College of Tea and Food, Wuyi University, Wuyishan 354300, China; (X.J.); (J.Y.)
| | - Shaoxiong Lin
- College of Life Science, Longyan University, Longyan 364012, China
| | - Yuhua Wang
- College of JunCao Science and Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- College of Tea and Food, Wuyi University, Wuyishan 354300, China; (X.J.); (J.Y.)
| | - Miao Jia
- College of Tea and Food, Wuyi University, Wuyishan 354300, China; (X.J.); (J.Y.)
| | - Mingzhe Li
- College of Life Science, Longyan University, Longyan 364012, China
| | - Yiling Chen
- College of Life Science, Longyan University, Longyan 364012, China
| | - Pengyuan Cheng
- College of Life Science, Longyan University, Longyan 364012, China
| | - Lei Hong
- College of Life Science, Longyan University, Longyan 364012, China
- College of JunCao Science and Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- College of Tea and Food, Wuyi University, Wuyishan 354300, China; (X.J.); (J.Y.)
| | - Jianghua Ye
- College of Tea and Food, Wuyi University, Wuyishan 354300, China; (X.J.); (J.Y.)
| | - Haibin Wang
- College of Tea and Food, Wuyi University, Wuyishan 354300, China; (X.J.); (J.Y.)
- College of Life Science, Longyan University, Longyan 364012, China
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Kashyap S, Agarwala N, Sunkar R. Understanding plant stress memory traits can provide a way for sustainable agriculture. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 340:111954. [PMID: 38092267 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2023.111954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/01/2024]
Abstract
Being sessile, plants encounter various biotic and abiotic threats in their life cycle. To minimize the damages caused by such threats, plants have acquired sophisticated response mechanisms. One major such response includes memorizing the encountered stimuli in the form of a metabolite, hormone, protein, or epigenetic marks. All of these individually as well as together, facilitate effective transcriptional and post-transcriptional responses upon encountering the stress episode for a second time during the life cycle and in some instances even in the future generations. This review attempts to highlight the recent advances in the area of plant memory. A detailed understanding of plant memory has the potential to offer solutions for developing climate-resilient crops for sustainable agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sampurna Kashyap
- Department of Botany, Gauhati University, Gopinath Bordoloi Nagar, Jalukbari, Guwahati, Assam, 781014, India
| | - Niraj Agarwala
- Department of Botany, Gauhati University, Gopinath Bordoloi Nagar, Jalukbari, Guwahati, Assam, 781014, India.
| | - Ramanjulu Sunkar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States
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Chaudhury R, Chakraborty A, Rahaman F, Sarkar T, Dey S, Das M. Mycorrhization in trees: ecology, physiology, emerging technologies and beyond. PLANT BIOLOGY (STUTTGART, GERMANY) 2024; 26:145-156. [PMID: 38194349 DOI: 10.1111/plb.13613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Mycorrhization has been an integral part of plants since colonization by the early land plants. Over decades, substantial research has highlighted its potential role in improving nutritional efficiency and growth, development and survival of crop plants. However, the focus of this review is trees. Evidence have been provided to explain ecological and physiological significance of mycorrhization in trees. Advances in recent technologies (e.g., metagenomics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, agricultural drones) may open new windows to apply this knowledge in promoting tree growth in forest ecosystems. Dual mycorrhization relationships in trees and even triple relationships among trees, mycorrhizal fungi and bacteria offer an interesting physiological system to understand how plants interact with other organisms for better survival. Besides, studies indicate additional roles of mycorrhization in learning, memorizing and communication between host trees through a common mycorrhizal network (CMN). Recent observations in trees suggest that mycorrhization may even promote tolerance to multiple abiotic (e.g., drought, salt, heavy metal stress) and biotic (e.g. fungi) stresses. Due to the extent of physiological reliance, local adaptation of trees is heavily impacted by the mycorrhizal community. This knowledge opens the possibility of a non-GMO avenue to promote tree growth and development. Indeed, mycorrhization could impact growth of trees in nurserys and subsequent survival of the inoculated trees in field conditions. Future studies might integrate hyperspectral imaging and drone technologies to identify tree communities that are deficient in nitrogen and spray mycorrhizal spore formulations on them.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Chaudhury
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, India
| | - A Chakraborty
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, India
| | - F Rahaman
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, India
| | - T Sarkar
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, India
| | - S Dey
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, India
| | - M Das
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, India
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7
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Khattar J, Calvo P, Vandebroek I, Pandolfi C, Dahdouh-Guebas F. Understanding interdisciplinary perspectives of plant intelligence: Is it a matter of science, language, or subjectivity? JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE 2022; 18:41. [PMID: 35637487 PMCID: PMC9153103 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-022-00539-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence suggests that plants can behave intelligently by exhibiting the ability to learn, make associations between environmental cues, engage in complex decisions about resource acquisition, memorize, and adapt in flexible ways. However, plant intelligence is a disputed concept in the scientific community. Reasons for lack of consensus can be traced back to the history of Western philosophy, interpretation of terminology, and due to plants lacking neurons and a central nervous system. Plant intelligence thus constitutes a novel paradigm in the plant sciences. Therefore, the perspectives of scientists in plant-related disciplines need to be investigated in order to gain insight into the current state and future development of this concept. METHODS This study analyzed opinions of plant intelligence held by scientists from different plant-related disciplines, including ethnobiology and other biological sciences, through an online questionnaire. RESULTS Our findings show that respondents' personal belief systems and the frequency of taking into account other types of knowledge, such as traditional knowledge, in their own field(s) of study, were associated with their opinions of plant intelligence. Meanwhile, respondents' professional expertise, background (discipline), or familiarity with evidence provided on plant intelligence did not affect their opinions. CONCLUSIONS This study emphasizes the influential role of scientists' own subjective beliefs. In response, two approaches could facilitate transdisciplinary understanding among scientists: (1) effective communication designed to foster change in agreement based on presented information; and (2) holding space for an interdisciplinary dialogue where scientists can express their own subjectivities and open new opportunities for collaboration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Khattar
- Systems Ecology and Resource Management, Department of Organism Biology, Faculté des Sciences, Université Libre de Bruxelles - ULB, Avenue F.D. Roosevelt 50, CPi 264/1, 1050, Brussels, Belgium.
- Ecology and Biodiversity, Laboratory of Plant Biology and Nature Management, Biology Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel - VUB, Pleinlaan 2, VUB-APNA-WE, 1050, Brussels, Belgium.
- International Laboratory of Plant Neurobiology (LINV), Department of Plant, Soil and Environmental Science, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Viale delle Idee 30, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Tuscany, Italy.
| | - Paco Calvo
- Minimal Intelligence Lab, Department of Philosophy, University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Ina Vandebroek
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Life Sciences and Natural Products Institute, The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Kingston, Jamaica
- Institute of Economic Botany, The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY, 10458, USA
| | - Camilla Pandolfi
- International Laboratory of Plant Neurobiology (LINV), Department of Plant, Soil and Environmental Science, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Viale delle Idee 30, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Tuscany, Italy
| | - Farid Dahdouh-Guebas
- Systems Ecology and Resource Management, Department of Organism Biology, Faculté des Sciences, Université Libre de Bruxelles - ULB, Avenue F.D. Roosevelt 50, CPi 264/1, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
- Ecology and Biodiversity, Laboratory of Plant Biology and Nature Management, Biology Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel - VUB, Pleinlaan 2, VUB-APNA-WE, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
- Interfaculty Institute of Social-Ecological Transitions - iiTSE, Université Libre de Bruxelles - ULB, Brussels, Belgium
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Khan A, Khan V, Pandey K, Sopory SK, Sanan-Mishra N. Thermo-Priming Mediated Cellular Networks for Abiotic Stress Management in Plants. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:866409. [PMID: 35646001 PMCID: PMC9136941 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.866409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Plants can adapt to different environmental conditions and can survive even under very harsh conditions. They have developed elaborate networks of receptors and signaling components, which modulate their biochemistry and physiology by regulating the genetic information. Plants also have the abilities to transmit information between their different parts to ensure a holistic response to any adverse environmental challenge. One such phenomenon that has received greater attention in recent years is called stress priming. Any milder exposure to stress is used by plants to prime themselves by modifying various cellular and molecular parameters. These changes seem to stay as memory and prepare the plants to better tolerate subsequent exposure to severe stress. In this review, we have discussed the various ways in which plants can be primed and illustrate the biochemical and molecular changes, including chromatin modification leading to stress memory, with major focus on thermo-priming. Alteration in various hormones and their subsequent role during and after priming under various stress conditions imposed by changing climate conditions are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Neeti Sanan-Mishra
- Plant RNAi Biology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
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Trewavas A. Awareness and integrated information theory identify plant meristems as sites of conscious activity. PROTOPLASMA 2021; 258:673-679. [PMID: 33745091 PMCID: PMC8052216 DOI: 10.1007/s00709-021-01633-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Lacking an anatomical brain/nervous system, it is assumed plants are not conscious. The biological function of consciousness is an input to behaviour; it is adaptive (subject to selection) and based on information. Complex language makes human consciousness unique. Consciousness is equated to awareness. All organisms are aware of their surroundings, modifying their behaviour to improve survival. Awareness requires assessment too. The mechanisms of animal assessment are neural while molecular and electrical in plants. Awareness of plants being also consciousness may resolve controversy. The integrated information theory (IIT), a leading theory of consciousness, is also blind to brains, nerves and synapses. The integrated information theory indicates plant awareness involves information of two kinds: (1) communicative, extrinsic information as a result of the perception of environmental changes and (2) integrated intrinsic information located in the shoot and root meristems and possibly cambium. The combination of information constructs an information nexus in the meristems leading to assessment and behaviour. The interpretation of integrated information in meristems probably involves the complex networks built around [Ca2+]i that also enable plant learning, memory and intelligent activities. A mature plant contains a large number of conjoined, conscious or aware, meristems possibly unique in the living kingdom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Trewavas
- Institute of Molecular Plant Science, University of Edinburgh, EH9 3JH, Edinburgh, Scotland.
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10
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Mallatt J, Blatt MR, Draguhn A, Robinson DG, Taiz L. Debunking a myth: plant consciousness. PROTOPLASMA 2021; 258:459-476. [PMID: 33196907 PMCID: PMC8052213 DOI: 10.1007/s00709-020-01579-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Claims that plants have conscious experiences have increased in recent years and have received wide coverage, from the popular media to scientific journals. Such claims are misleading and have the potential to misdirect funding and governmental policy decisions. After defining basic, primary consciousness, we provide new arguments against 12 core claims made by the proponents of plant consciousness. Three important new conclusions of our study are (1) plants have not been shown to perform the proactive, anticipatory behaviors associated with consciousness, but only to sense and follow stimulus trails reactively; (2) electrophysiological signaling in plants serves immediate physiological functions rather than integrative-information processing as in nervous systems of animals, giving no indication of plant consciousness; (3) the controversial claim of classical Pavlovian learning in plants, even if correct, is irrelevant because this type of learning does not require consciousness. Finally, we present our own hypothesis, based on two logical assumptions, concerning which organisms possess consciousness. Our first assumption is that affective (emotional) consciousness is marked by an advanced capacity for operant learning about rewards and punishments. Our second assumption is that image-based conscious experience is marked by demonstrably mapped representations of the external environment within the body. Certain animals fit both of these criteria, but plants fit neither. We conclude that claims for plant consciousness are highly speculative and lack sound scientific support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Mallatt
- The University of Washington WWAMI Medical Education Program at The University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844 USA
| | - Michael R. Blatt
- Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biophysics, Bower Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ UK
| | - Andreas Draguhn
- Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - David G. Robinson
- Centre for Organismal Studies, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lincoln Taiz
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064 USA
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11
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Mallatt J, Blatt MR, Draguhn A, Robinson DG, Taiz L. Debunking a myth: plant consciousness. PROTOPLASMA 2021. [PMID: 33196907 DOI: 10.1007/s00709-026-01579-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Claims that plants have conscious experiences have increased in recent years and have received wide coverage, from the popular media to scientific journals. Such claims are misleading and have the potential to misdirect funding and governmental policy decisions. After defining basic, primary consciousness, we provide new arguments against 12 core claims made by the proponents of plant consciousness. Three important new conclusions of our study are (1) plants have not been shown to perform the proactive, anticipatory behaviors associated with consciousness, but only to sense and follow stimulus trails reactively; (2) electrophysiological signaling in plants serves immediate physiological functions rather than integrative-information processing as in nervous systems of animals, giving no indication of plant consciousness; (3) the controversial claim of classical Pavlovian learning in plants, even if correct, is irrelevant because this type of learning does not require consciousness. Finally, we present our own hypothesis, based on two logical assumptions, concerning which organisms possess consciousness. Our first assumption is that affective (emotional) consciousness is marked by an advanced capacity for operant learning about rewards and punishments. Our second assumption is that image-based conscious experience is marked by demonstrably mapped representations of the external environment within the body. Certain animals fit both of these criteria, but plants fit neither. We conclude that claims for plant consciousness are highly speculative and lack sound scientific support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Mallatt
- The University of Washington WWAMI Medical Education Program at The University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, 83844, USA.
| | - Michael R Blatt
- Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biophysics, Bower Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Andreas Draguhn
- Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - David G Robinson
- Centre for Organismal Studies, University of Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lincoln Taiz
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
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12
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Baluška F, Yokawa K. Anaesthetics and plants: from sensory systems to cognition-based adaptive behaviour. PROTOPLASMA 2021; 258:449-454. [PMID: 33462719 PMCID: PMC7907011 DOI: 10.1007/s00709-020-01594-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Plants are not only sensitive to exogenous anaesthetics, but they also produce multitudes of endogenous substances, especially when stressed, that often have anaesthetic and anelgesic properties when applied to both humans and animals. Moreover, plants rely on neurotransmitters and their receptors for cell-cell communication and integration in a similar fashion to the use of neural systems in animals and humans. Plants also use their plant-specific sensory systems and neurotransmitter-based communication, including long-distance action potentials, to manage stress via cognition-like plant-specific behaviour and adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ken Yokawa
- Faculty of Engineering, Kitami Institute of Technology, Hokkaido, 090-8597, Japan.
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13
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Plant Complexity and Cosmetic Innovation. iScience 2020; 23:101358. [PMID: 32738608 PMCID: PMC7394851 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Plants have been used in cosmetic products since ancient times and are the subject of scientific investigation even nowadays. During the years, a deeper understanding of both the behavior of skin and of plants have become available drawing increasingly complex pictures. Plants are complex organisms that produce different metabolites responding to the environment they live in. Applied to the skin, phytomolecules interact with skin cells and affect the skin well-being and appearance. Ethnobotanical studies on the one hand and physico-chemical analyses on the other have pictured a rich inventory of plants with potential to enrich modern cosmetic products.
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