Language
Country/Area
No result found
The Secret Growth Power of Tree Trunks: Do you know how the vascular cambium makes plants stronger?
The vascular cambium plays a key role in the growth of plants. Especially in dicots, such as buttercups and oaks, and in some other vascular plants, the vascular cambium is the main growth tissue. This layer of tissue has a strong adaptability and can continuously produce secondary xylem and secondary phloem, allowing the plant to continuously enhance its structure and transport functions.
The vascular cambium is not only the growth engine of the plant, but also the cornerstone of its tree of life.
The vascular cambium is located between the primary xylem and the primary phloem. When the plant undergoes secondary growth, the cells separating different vascular bundles will become meristems and further form new septal cambium. These cells come together to form a ring-like structure during subsequent growth, helping to separate the primary xylem from the primary phloem and continuing to drive the plant's growth.
Structure and function of vascular cambium
The vascular cambium usually contains two main types of cells: elongated fusiform initials and small round or angular ray initials. The collective action of these cells enables the vascular cambium to function efficiently, further promoting plant growth and development.
At every stage of a plant's growth, the vascular cambium silently supports its web of life.
Maintenance mechanisms of the vascular cambium
Maintenance of the vascular cambium depends on an interactive signaling feedback loop. In these systems, hormones and short peptides are identified as important information carriers. Unlike other plant meristems, the vascular cambium receives signals from both the xylem and phloem. These signals can regulate the expression of internal factors and further promote cell reproduction and differentiation.
Regulatory effects of hormones
In the activities of the vascular cambium, a variety of plant hormones play an important role, including auxin, ethylene, gibberellins, cytokinins and folic acid. The concentration and combination of these hormones are essential for plant growth and development, promoting cell mitosis, regulating tissue differentiation, and ensuring the normal functioning of plant physiological functions.
In the biological world, the synergistic effects of hormones are like a sophisticated symphony, allowing plants to display amazing vitality and vigor during their growth process.
Edible value of vascular cambium
The vascular cambium of many trees is actually edible. In Scandinavia, vascular cambium was used in the past to make flour for birch bread, which fully demonstrates the diversity and potential resources of plants in the natural environment.
Evolutionary significance for plants
The existence of vascular cambium is of great significance to the evolution of plants. It directly affects the plant's support system and resource allocation, enabling plants to adapt to various environmental challenges. As trees age, their vascular cambium continues to produce more xylem and phloem, which not only makes the trees taller and more stable, but also responds to the three-dimensional living environment.
So, in future plant research, will the potential of the vascular cambium reveal more secrets of plant growth?
