Key Levels of Biocommunication in Plants

Abstract

As in all organisms, the evolution, development, and growth of plants depend on the success of complex communication processes. These communication processes are primarily signal-mediated interactions and not simply an exchange of information. Therefore, identification of meaning functions of signaling molecules depends on coherent investigation of interactional patterns in which signaling occurs. These interactions involve active coordination and active organization of a variety of timely ordered steps and substeps conveyed by signs. A wide range of chemical substances and physical influences serve as signs. Different abiotic (water, light, gravity) or biotic influences (symbiotic interactions, attack, defense, mating, etc.) require different behaviors. Depending on the behavior, the core set of signs common to species, families, and genera of plants is variously produced, combined, and transported. This allows entirely different communication processes to be carried out with the same types of chemical molecules (e.g., auxin, see below), which optimizes energy cost (see below).