Mechanics of the Meristems

Abstract

In this chapter, the structure, function, and growth of apical meristems and cambium are discussed from a perspective of mechanics. We first characterize the meristems and point to implications of the symplasm, apoplasm, and organismal concepts for our understanding of plant morphogenesis. Then we discuss the symplastic (coordinated) growth and a putative role of principal directions of growth and mechanical stress tensor in the meristem function, also explaining how the principal directions are manifested in cellular pattern and cell behavior. The present knowledge on the mechanics of meristems, in particular on the distri- bution of mechanical stress and on the mechanical properties of the meristems, is to a large extent speculative. Our objectives are to present and discuss the available empirical data and hypotheses on the meristem mechanics, and the evidence on the role of mechanical factors in plant morphogenesis.