Jaina Biology

SR No.: 001543
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: J C Sikdar
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad
Total Pages: 340
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Science, Biology, & Philosophy
File Size: 19 MB

Page 308

Conclusion
297
The nutrients of plants are either made within the cells or are absorbed through the cell membranes. The nutrients synthesized are either used at once65 or transported to another part, such as, the stem, or root66 The insectivorous plants,67 although without an organized digestive system etc. do secrete digestive enzymes68 similar to those secreted by animals.
Plants accumulate reserves of organic materials for use during those times when photosynthesis is impossible at night or over the winter69 when leaves fall.
An embryo plant cannot make its own food until the seed has sprouted and the embryo has developed a functional root,70 leaf71 and stem72 system.
The simpler plants consisting of single cell or small group of cells73 have no circulaiary system. It is suggestive in Jaina Biology that simple diffusion, augmented in certain instance by the process of active transport by air74 suffices to bring in the substance, 75 required by the plant. Gūḍhaśiras76 (Xylem) tubes probably transport water and minerals from the roots up the stem to the leaves, while ahiruyam77 (phloem) tubes may probably transport up as well as down the nutrient stems for storage and use them in the stems and roots etc.
The circulatory systems of higher plants are simpler than those of higher animals and constructed on an entirely different plan in Jaina Biology. Plants have no heart and blood vessels. Transportation of
65. Sūtrakṛtänga II. 3. 43.
66. Ibid, II. 3. 46.
67. Sūtrakṛtānga II. 3. 27,
68. Ibid,
69. Bhagavati, 7.3. 274; Lokaprakāśa, 1.5 109-10.
70. Vide Loka prakāśa, 1. p. 361, 1. 5. 74.
71. Ibid.
72. Ibid.
73. Uttaradhyayana 36.92; Pannavana. Vanaspatikāyajivapaṇņavana, 1.35 p. 16. (Sūkşma Vanaspati).
74. Lokaprakāśa, 5. 75, p. 361.
75. Ibid. Sūtrakṛtānga II. 3.43.
76. Panṇavanā, Vanaspatikāyajiva Paṇṇavana, 54-84; Jivavicara, 12; Gommațasara (Jīvakāṇḍa) v. 187
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