Introduction: Tensegral World of Plants

Abstract

In this chapter, we are providing a brief overview of the tensegral concept as applied to plants. Starting with a short introduction to the history of the idea of mechanical integration of the cell and the organism, we then discuss the mechanical design of the plant body. The importance of the mechanical properties of cells, tissues, organs, and their domains is indicated, and the systems of detection of mechanical stimuli are briefly discussed. Finally, the mechanical integration of plant cells is presented based on the various aspects of the functioning of the cell wall-plasma membrane-cytoskeleton continuum spanning the whole cell. The initial stage of knowledge within this area is indicated with special attention paid to different modes of inter-and intracellular communication as well as the utilization of the continuum to functional organization and integration of the whole cell.