Integrative emergence in contrast to separating modularity in plant biology: views on systems biology with information, signals and memory at scalar levels from molecules to the biosphere

Abstract

Modularity is reductionism and materialism, where modules are considered as building blocks per se. By contrast self-organization of modules in living organisms, like plants, generates the emergence of integrated systems with new properties not predicted by the properties of the modules. This can occur at the hierarchy of a series of scalar levels, where emergent systems become modules for emergence of new systems on the next higher scalar level akin to a hierarchy of networks from molecules, cells and individuals up to the levels of ecosystems, biomes and the entire biosphere or Gaia. The systems on these levels are holobiont-like systems, i.e., central organisms in interaction with all their associated organisms as a unit for selection in evolution. Systems biology, now a modern aspect of plant biology, has started with the advancement of whole-plant physiology in the early 1970s unraveling the roles of signaling for integration and cooperation of parts or modules in the performance of entire plants. Fixation of information in plant memory and emergence from such storage rules the timing of events of emergence. With the enthusiasm promoted by the creative self-organization of modules into the emergence of exciting new systems, biology diverts from the reductionism and materialism of bare modularity. Understanding emergence helps to advance on the rocky paths towards understanding the complexity of life.

Ascent and attachment in pea plants: a matter of iteration

“…Another possibility may rely on the propagation of chemical signals such as the growth hormones (e.g., auxin, cytokinin) through the xylem (i.e., the plant vascular tissue that conveys water and dissolved minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant) and the phloem (i.e., the plant tissue that conducts sugars from the leaves to the other parts of the plant [36][37][38] . Hormone propagations are responsible for maintaining the plant's nutritional and physical quality and for developing and growing the new organs in the plant's above-and belowground parts of the plant [38][39][40] . Further, they regulate plant growth in speed and direction of movement (e.g., active bending of the organs) 31,[38][39][40] .…”

“…Hormone propagations are responsible for maintaining the plant's nutritional and physical quality and for developing and growing the new organs in the plant's above-and belowground parts of the plant [38][39][40] . Further, they regulate plant growth in speed and direction of movement (e.g., active bending of the organs) 31,[38][39][40] .…”

Ascent and Attachment in Pea Plants: A Matter of Iteration

“…Another possibility may rely on the propagation of chemical signals such as the growth hormones (e.g., auxin, cytokinin) through the xylem (i.e., the plant vascular tissue that conveys water and dissolved minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant) and the phloem (i.e., the plant tissue that conducts sugars from the leaves to the other parts of the plant) [38][39][40]. Hormone propagations are responsible for maintaining the plant's nutritional and physical quality and for developing and growing the new organs in the plant's above-and belowground parts of the plant [40][41][42]. Further, they regulate plant growth in speed and direction of movement (e.g., active bending of the organs) [31,[40][41][42].…”

Subsequent drought and re‐watering events cause a shift in productivity and nutritive value of alfalfa and hybrid fescue plant

“…Finally, prolonged accumulation of soluble carbohydrates in both investigated plant species after the second recovery implies the shift of metabolism to the new state, ensuring plant functioning under reoccurring water shortage. The mechanism of stress memory is explained by signalling and transfer of information by various epigenetic changes, such as accumulation of gene transcription factors, key signalling metabolites, plant hormones and so forth, leading to increased plant stability in a changing environment (Lüttge, 2021; Ribeiro & Torres, 2018). The manifestation of stress memory in this study highlights the need for scientific research of stress memory in forage plants that implies not only the shift in plants resistance but also in their nutritive value.…”