Morphological aspects of self-repair of lesions caused by internal growth stresses in stems of Aristolochia macrophylla and Aristolochia ringens

Proc Biol Sci. 2010 Jul 22;277(1691):2113-20. doi: 10.1098/rspb.2010.0075. Epub 2010 Mar 17.

Abstract

This study reveals in detail the mechanism of self-repair during secondary growth in the vines Aristolochia macrophylla and Aristolochia ringens based on morphological data. For a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms during the self-repair of lesions in the sclerenchymatous cylinder of the stem, which are caused by internal growth stresses, a classification of morphological changes in the cells involved in the repair process is required. In an early stage of self-repair, we observed morphological changes as a mere extension of the turgescent cortex cells surrounding the lesion, whereby the cell wall extends locally through visco-elastic/plastic deformation without observable cell wall synthesis. Later stages involve typical cell growth and cell division. Several successive phases of self-repair were investigated by light microscopy of stained samples and confocal laser-scanning microscopy in fluorescence mode. The results indicate that A. macrophylla and A. ringens respond to lesions caused by internal growth stresses with a sophisticated self-repair mechanism comprising several phases of different repair modes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aristolochia / anatomy & histology
  • Aristolochia / growth & development*
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Plant Stems / cytology*
  • Plant Stems / growth & development*
  • Species Specificity
  • Wound Healing / physiology*