Neoplastic Growth in Plants

Abstract

There is a range of these growths, of a variety of origins. Some possess characteristics analogous to animal tumors, but only on the cellular, and not on anatomical level. In the literature a prevasive undercurrent indicates that growth substances of the auxin type play a basic role in neoplastic growth. Less obvious but antecedent to this are metabolic gradients and subsequent electropotentials and accompanying electron flow. Of all characteristics reported as distinguishing plant from animal neoplasia only that of respiratory pattern has received general recognition.