Biomechanics of Exploding Seed Pods

This lecture explores the biomechanics behind the explosive seed pods, focusing on the formation of shape, differentiation in tissues and organs, and the growth dynamics of plant ovules. It delves into the mechanical properties of the plant cell wall, the role of turgor pressure, and the impact of symplastic structure on mechanical stress. The presentation also discusses the morphomechanical innovation in Cardamine, emphasizing the correlation between the hinged/boxed lignin pattern and explosiveness. The lecture concludes by examining the cellular, tissue, and organ-level models to understand the coiling process of valves and the contractility of the Exo layer.