The theory of growth analysis will be extended to show growth rate distributions which produce stem curvature and torsion. The use of anatomical records for determination of growth rate distributions will be tested. To obtain insight into the biophysics of growth, spatial distribution of the growth rate will be compared to patterns of rheological properties, measured with the pressure probe, and to patterns of microtubule organization, visualized with indirect immunofluorescent microscopy. The results will enhance our understanding of the processes controlling growth and morphogenesis of cells and organs, and the adaptation of plants to stressful environments. This understanding is prerequisite to the development of rational and process based genetic manipulation of plants to improve their performance. %%% The form of a plant is the result of growth of its component cells, and this growth is known to involve yielding of the cell walls in response to an internal pressure. The rigid cell wall of plants requires different mechanisms for reacting to growth than the more flexible animal cell. The magnitude and direction of the wall yielding process produce the change in form as the plant develops. Dr. Silk proposes to continue her research on the kinematics (spatial and temporal patterns of growth rate) and dynamics (relationships among force, energy and growth rate) involved in plant growth. She approaches these studies with both theoretical, mathematical modeling and direct experimental measurements of the mechanical forces involved.
