Growth and Development

Growth is defined as an unstoppable, continuous increase in the size of a biological part or even a single cell. To put it another way, any living organism’s most basic characteristic is growth. It’s also accompanied by a number of metabolic activities that consume energy in the body. Anabolic or catabolic systems are the two sorts of systems that can be used.

When we consider the context of plant growth, we can see that seeds germinate, grow into seedlings, and then mature into the structure or form of an adult plant or tree. These are the several stages of plant growth and development, which are limitless.

Growth

Cell division and enlargement cause irreversible changes in the size of cells and plant parts. Enlargement needs an increase in the size and water content of the vacuole, as well as a change in the flexibility of the cell walls. Growth can be either determined (when an organ, component, or entire organism achieves a given size and stops growing) or indeterminate (when cells divide continuously). Plants grow in an uncertain manner in general.

Development

Development in biology is the rise in complexity of an organism. Growth, morphogenesis, and differentiation are the three basic processes that occur throughout development. As previously said, growth refers to a gain in size and number. Morphogenesis, on the other hand, is the process of acquiring form and structure. It is in charge of the organism’s form development.

Furthermore, differentiation is the morphological and physiological process through which a generic cell of the organism matures into a specialised cell. Changes in gene expression cause cells to specialise. Differentiation is responsible for gaining function in particular. As a result, development affects two elements of the organism: its organisation and its function.

Similarities

• Growth and development are two phrases that refer to various biological processes.
• Both processes are intertwined and run hand in hand.
• They are also the result of a combination of heredity and the environment.

Types of Growth

• Primary Growth: Mitotic divisions are responsible for this growth. It takes place in meristematic cells, which are found in a plant’s roots and shoots. As a result, the plant’s length is lengthened. Primary growth is the term for this type of development.
• Secondary Growth: Secondary growth is defined as an increase in plant diameter caused by the secondary meristem.
• Vegetative Growth: Vegetative growth refers to a plant’s growth before flowering, which involves the production and development of its roots, leaves, and stem.
• Reproductive Growth: Flowers are used by plants to reproduce. As a result, the stage at which plants begin to flower is referred to as reproductive growth.

Characteristics of Growth

• Growth is defined as a change in a child’s physical characteristics, such as height, weight, mass, and physical development.
• Growth is quantifiable and can be quantified.
• Growth can be seen and felt with the eyes and other senses.
• Growth does not happen in a linear fashion.
• Physical growth is consistent, such as the development of milk teeth, toddling, then walking, and so on.
• Growth occurs for a finite amount of time.
• The initial years of growth are faster than the latter years.
• Food, nutrition, health, and fitness all have an impact on mental and physical development.
• Mental health cannot be judged just on the basis of physical growth.
• The rate of growth is influenced by a variety of factors including inheritance, environment, social relationships, and motivation.

Characteristics of Development

• Development refers to a person’s total progress on a mental, social, physical, and psychological level.
• It is impossible to quantify development.
• Although development follows a predictable pattern, it might vary depending on the individual.
• The process of development progresses from broad to specific.
• Because development is a lifelong process, it is inherently continual.
• Development is a broad phrase that encompasses all aspects of life, from social to psychological.
• Growth is a less sophisticated and comprehensive concept than development.
• Many factors play a role in the development process.
• The term “development” refers to qualitative changes.
• The process of development progresses from tangible to abstract.

Differences

Conclusion

An organism’s size and bulk increase as it grows. It is mostly accomplished through mitotic cell divisions, which result in an increase in the number of cells. Development, on the other hand, is the increase in an organism’s complexity through function and organisation. Additionally, development encompasses an organism’s growth. As a result, growth is purely quantitative, but development is qualitative as well as quantitative. In biology, the main distinction between growth and development is the type of changes that each step brings.