CHAPTER 4 : REPRODUCTION & GROWTH

4.6 Growth In Multicellular Organisms

LEARNING OUTCOMES
To explain briefly the necessity for growth in organisms;

To explain what growth is.

The Necessity For Growth in Organisms

To increase in size & change in shape. To become more specific in form & structure to play vital roles of life (respiration, photosynthesis) To interact with external environmental factors

WHAT IS GROWTH?
GROWTH = an irreversible process which involves an increase in the number of cells size, complexity & organ functions in the organisms body. Quantitative changes body size, mass & number of cells. Qualitative changes shape, function & complexity/specializations.

GROWTH STAGES
a) The stage of cell division
The number of cells must first increase by mitosis. Cells increase in geometric progression : 1248163264128. All daughter cells formed are small & identical to the parent cell (zygote)

b) The stage of cell elongation / enlargement

Must grow in size Occurs by assimilation of food into the cells. Synthesizing protoplasm Vacuolation absorption of water.

c) The stage of cell specialisation / differentiation

Maximum size differentiate. Refers to gradual changes in the structure of a general cell to turn it into a specialised cell for carrying out a specific function. Specific morphological & physiological changes.

 Cells tissue organ organ system complex organism May occur throughout the life cycle of at certain times only. All parts or certain parts only.

In plants, limited to the apical meristems & cambium (lateral meristems).

Growth & development of the shoot also includes growth of leaves leaf promordia (small outgrowth)