On the Plant Developmental Unit: From Virtual Concept to Visual Plantlet

This study introduces the concept of the plant developmental unit (PDU) and validates its application using Wolffia Horkel ex Schleid (Araceae) as a model system for exploring fundamental processes in plant morphogenesis. Revisiting long-standing contradictions in plant biology, the author proposes viewing plants as coral-like colonies composed of multiple developmental units rather than as unitary-animal-like organisms. Utilizing the "Plant-on-Chip" culture platform, the research demonstrates Wolffia's minimalist structure as a powerful model for investigating core regulatory mechanisms of plant development. The study emphasizes the pivotal role of "induction" in morphogenetic processes and highlights Wolffia's potential to facilitate a paradigm shift in plant developmental biology while unlocking its applications in a second agricultural revolution. This work underscores Wolffia's value in bridging fundamental research and innovative agricultural solutions.