SOME GROSS CORRELATIONS BETWEEN GROWTH ENLARGEMENT AND THE SOLUTE AND WATER RELATIONS OF PLANTS, WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON THE RELATION OF TURGOR PRESSURE TO DISTENTION OF CELLS

Abstract

An analysis of the sequence of factors concerned in the growth enlargement of cells is presented. It is inferred from the data presented that turgor pressure or attendant conditions within cells is the primary factor concerned with their distention or growth enlargement in association with the laying down of new cells through division and differentiation. Even the latter may be modified by the former. In that a maximal turgor pressure is desirable under most circumstances, the inorganic solute ratios and total concns. in the external medium relative to that in the plant are an immediate concern of the physiologist. It is suggested that progressive information, on the turgor pressure within roots as a crop is developing, may be of diagnostic value to the agriculturalist in order to obtain maximum yield of crops.