Question

Rubber band stretches and reverts back to its original position. Bubble gum stretches, but it would not return to its original position. Is there any difference between the two processes? Discuss it with respect to plant growth

Answer 1

Plasticity:

In response to environmental conditions and different phases of life, plants form different structures. This ability of plants is called plasticity. It is an irreversible process. An example of plasticity is heterophylly.


Elasticity:

The protoplasm of cells shows elasticity. Based on endosmosis or exosmosis, the protoplasm swells or shrinks. This demonstrates it to be a reversible process as the protoplasm can revert back to its original form.

Conclusion:

Plants have the ability to take different forms in response to different environmental conditions and phases of life. This phenomenon is called plasticity and is an irreversible process, like the stretching of the bubble gum.

The ability of the protoplasm to change its volume in response to water stress is due to elasticity which is a reversible process just like the stretching of a rubber band.