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A plant's response to gravity as a wave phenomenon.

O E Wagner1

  • 1Wagner Research Laboratory, Rogue River, OR 97537, USA.

Journal of Gravitational Physiology : a Journal of the International Society for Gravitational Physiology
|September 7, 2001
PubMed
Summary

Low velocity longitudinal waves, or W-waves, in plants are influenced by gravity. Gravitational fields alter W-wave velocity and frequency, impacting plant cell and internodal spacing.

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Anisotropy of wave velocities in plants: gravitropism.

Physiological chemistry and physics and medical NMRยท1996
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Area of Science:

  • Plant Biology
  • Physics
  • Wave Phenomena

Background:

  • Low velocity longitudinal waves, termed W-waves, were discovered in live plant materials in 1988.
  • These waves exhibit charge shifting in live materials and often appear as standing waves, potentially influencing plant structure.
  • W-waves are hypothesized to be a macroscopic extension of quantum waves, bridging microscopic and macroscopic realms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the influence of the gravitational field on W-waves in plants.
  • To explore the relationship between W-wave characteristics and plant morphology, including cell size and internodal spacing.
  • To provide evidence for plants operating as wave-based systems influenced by gravity.

Main Methods:

  • Measurement of W-wave velocity and frequency in plant materials.
  • Analysis of standing wave patterns and charge distribution.
  • Correlation of W-wave characteristics with plant internodal spacings and cell dimensions.
  • Observation of W-wave behavior under varying gravitational conditions (simulated or actual).

Main Results:

  • W-wave velocity and frequency are significantly influenced by the gravitational field.
  • Waves traveling along the gravitational field exhibit lower frequencies compared to those perpendicular to it.
  • Plant cell lengths and internodal spacings are up to three times longer parallel to the gravitational field than perpendicular to it.
  • In microgravity, plants lack the gravitational references that determine cell shape.

Conclusions:

  • Plants are fundamentally wave-operated systems.
  • The gravitational field plays a crucial role in modulating W-wave characteristics.
  • W-wave properties, influenced by gravity, dictate plant morphology, including cell size and growth orientation.
  • The observed phenomena provide strong evidence for the wave nature of plants and their interaction with gravity.

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