Jaina Biology

Author(s): J C Sikdar
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 85

Jaina Biology
hypertonic to the sap in the veins. They constantly draw water from the upper ends of the Xylem vessels and this tends to lift the column of sap upward in each duct.'50
“ Transpiration provides the pull at the top of the column, and the tendency of the water molecules to stick together, carrying this force through the length of the stem and roots, results in the elevation of the whole column of sap."51
The Storage of Food
It is stated in the Jaina Āgama 52 that a green plant consumes more food in particular season (rainy season ), while it takes less food in some seasons (winter or autumn, spring and summer ). Each plant must therefore accumulate food reserves to tide over periods when photosynthesis cannot occur. Food stores may be deposited in leaves,53 stems 54 or roots.55
Leaves serve as temporary depots for food, but they are not suitable for long-term storage, for they are too easily and too rapidly lost. The stems of woody perennials56 serve as storage places for large amounts of food; other plants utilize underground fleshy stems57 for the purpose. The most common storage organs are roots,58 for, being underground, they are somewhat protected from climatic changes and from the cyes of animals. Plants also deposit rich stores of food in their seeds 59 to provide energy for the development of the embryo until the new plant bas developed a functional root, stem and leaf. Such seeds rich in plant food are an important source of food for man and other animals.
50. Biology, p. 128. 51. Ibid., p. 128. 52. Bhagavati Sūtra, 7.3.275. 53. Kumbird, Jivav.cara, V. 12. 54. All Kandas, Suraņa, etc. bulb, etc. Bhagavati 7.3.276; Vide Lokaprakāja 5.88;
Pannavanā 54.53. 55. Raddish, Carrot, etc. - Bhagavati 7.3.276; 8.3.314. 56. Vçksa, mango tree, Bhagavati 21.8.691, etc. Pannavana, 40. 57. Surana, etc. Bhs. 7.3 276, Pannavanā, 40. 58. Carrot, radish (Bhs. 7.3.276) etc. Jivavicāra 8; Lokaprakāśa 5.89 P. 132. 59. Rice, etc., Bhagavati Sūtra, 6,7.246; Pannavanā, 30, P. 20.