Modeling of the thermoregulation system in the skunk cabbage: Symplocarpus foetidus

Abstract

This paper presents a model of the thermoregulation system of the spadix of skunk cabbage Symplocarpus foetidus which regulates its internal temperature at around 20 °C during flowering even when the ambient air temperature drops below freezing. From the temperature responses of the spadix to changing ambient air temperature, we assumed that the thermoregulation system of the spadix is probably one of negative feedback control. The feedback signals are based on the rate of temperature change of the spadix over time. A signal is factored into the biochemical energy generator, and becomes biochemical energy, some of which becomes heat. Comparing our proposed model temperature responses and those of the living spadix, we found good agreement. In the process of engineering the model, the existence of two regulatory pathways in the thermoregulation system was simulated, and our proposed model appears to provide the necessary elements to explain the fundamental mechanism of the thermoregulation system of S. foetidus. © 2007 The American Physical Society.