The two types of morphogenesis can be broadly categorized based on the mechanisms primarily driving the process in plants and animals.
Morphogenesis, the biological process that causes an organism to develop its shape, relies on different mechanisms in plants versus animals. The reference highlights these differences.
Plant Morphogenesis
Plant morphogenesis is primarily driven by differential growth.
- Differential growth refers to the varying rates of cell division and expansion in different regions of the plant. This leads to the formation of complex structures like leaves, stems, and roots.
- Plants retain permanent embryonic tissue, which allows them to continuously generate new organs throughout their lifespan.
- The morphogenetic potential in plants is highly influenced by the environment.
Animal Morphogenesis
Animal morphogenesis is achieved through a combination of growth and cell movement.
- Growth involves cell division and enlargement, similar to plants.
- Cell movement is a crucial aspect, where cells migrate and rearrange themselves to form tissues and organs. This is a more dynamic process than the differential growth seen in plants.
In summary, while both plants and animals undergo morphogenesis involving growth, animals rely significantly on cell movement, whereas plants depend primarily on differential growth.
