PLANT GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
Growth
Growth is regarded as one of the most fundamental and conspicuous characteristics of a living being.
What is Growth?
Growth can be defined as an irreversible permanent increase in the size of an organ or its parts or even of an individual cell. Generally, growth is accompanied by metabolic processes (both anabolic and catabolic) that occur at the expense of energy. For example, the expansion of a leaf is considered growth.
Question
How would you describe the swelling of a piece of wood when placed in water?
The swelling of a piece of wood when placed in water is not considered growth because it is a temporary and reversible physical change, not an irreversible permanent increase in size driven by metabolic processes.