Science is Fun Fridays!

 Proprioception: Perception or awareness of the position and movement of the body.

Plants are up against mechanical forces such as wind, gravity, and people who like to pluck.  They sense and interpret these forces to guide growth and development.  Fluctuations in mechanical cues form the basis of a proprioception system that ensures steady growth despite variable environments.

These fluctuations range from deformation of wall components, cell growth variability, and swaying stems to stem flexion under tree weight or wind drag.

Developing plants use such fluctuations to monitor and channel their own shape and growth.  Using proprioception, the cell and tissue shape changes are linked to changes in body configuration and involves the sense of tension and deformation.

"It follows that plants, like all living organisms, should be considered to be like active and self-sensing materials and structures."

I thought this was a nice follow up to Earth Day.  :-)

Science