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Plants have neither synapses nor a nervous system
David G Robinson1, Andreas Draguhn2
1Centre for Organismal Studies, University of Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
Journal of Plant Physiology
|July 11, 2021
Summary
This review critically examines plant neurobiology claims, finding no evidence of plant synapses or neuronal-like signaling. Plant electrical signaling in the phloem differs fundamentally from animal nervous systems.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Neuroscience
- Cellular Signaling
Background:
- The concept of Plant Neurobiology is based on alleged synaptic structures in plants.
- Recent theories propose the phloem functions as a plant nervous system for electrical signaling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the scientific literature supporting the existence of plant synapses and neuronal-like signaling.
- To determine if plant phloem electrical signaling is comparable to animal neuronal networks.
Main Methods:
- Critical review and analysis of cited literature on plant neurobiology.
- Comparison of plant signaling mechanisms with animal synaptic transmission and neuronal networks.
Main Results:
- Plants lack structures analogous to animal synapses (chemical or electrical).
- Plant cell contacts and signaling mechanisms do not support neuronal-like synaptic transmission.
- While phloem conducts electrical signals, it is not comparable to neuronal information processing.
Conclusions:
- The theory of Plant Neurobiology, as currently proposed, is not supported by scientific evidence.
- Plant electrical signaling differs significantly from animal nervous system functions, impacting theories of plant cognition and consciousness.
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