Question

Nerve-like signals in animals are thousands of times faster than their plant counterparts. Suggest a behavioural reason for the difference.

Short answer

Long-distance signaling is essential for the integrated functioning of all complex organisms. Still, the rate of such interaction is far less critical in plants since, unlike animals, their reactions to the surroundings do not often include quick movements.

Step-by-step solution

Electrical signaling in phloem

In plants, a dynamic element of the symplast is rapid, long-distance electrical signaling via the phloem.

Electrical signaling has been intensively researched in plants with fast leaf motions, such as the sensitive plant (Mimosa pudica) and the Venus flytrap (Dionaeamuscipula). Its function in other species, however, is less apparent.

Behavioral reason for the difference in plants

Some research has found that a stimulus in one region of a plant can cause an electrical signal in the phloem to be sent to another section of the plant, where it may cause a change in transcriptional regulation, respiration, photosynthesis, phloem unloading, or hormone levels.

As a result, the phloem can perform a nerve-like role, allowing for rapid electrical transmission between distant organs. In comparison, animals have nerve cells that transmit hormones through the blood that easily reach the target cells.

Nerve-like signals in animals are thousand times faster than plant counterparts

Plasmodesmata permeability and frequency can fluctuate. When dilated, they allow symplast transport of proteins, RNAs, and other macromolecules over large distances.

The phloem also transmits nerve-like electrical signals that aid in the integration of whole-plant activity. Nerve signaling is essential in animals. It is much faster than the plants because they respond to the change in an environment that facilitates the rapid movements of animals.

Animals do not have nerve cells that carry inputs in electrical impulses. Thus they respond to stimuli almost instantly. Plants respond to stimuli more slowly than animals, most likely due to a lack of nerve cells.

The heart circulates animal hormones through the bloodstream. In comparison, the hormones in plants distribute through the tissues. There isn't a heart. Neurons in animals transmit electrochemical impulses at a high rate. In contrast, plants have no structures that are similar to neurons.

Animals have contractile muscles, which allow for quick motor reactions. In contrast, there are no similar structures in plants.