Plants with the ability to Thermoregulate

         Some plants were found to produce heat when they bloom. A few species even regulating their temperature as if they were warm blooded mammals. Roger Seymour explains that at a party he was handed a flower that was warm and over the course of the party grew even hotter than the human body! After some research it was discovered that some plants could produce as much heat as birds and insects in flight (the greatest heat producers). A few of the plants could even alter their heat production, coordinating their temperature with air temperature. Examining Philodendron selloum showed the plant reaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit in a 39 degree environment, and reaching a peak of 115 degrees in a tropical temperature of 102 degrees. This reveals that the Philodendron s. was adjusting it's heat production to maintain warmth in cold temperatures, and prevent overheating in hot temperatures. Proving that they do more then produce heat, but have the ability to thermoregulate their temperature. What other reasons do plants thermoregulate? Some researchers assume it is to get rid of scents that attract insects; however, this could be accomplished from heating alone, not thermoregulation. In some plants thermoregulating appeared to ensure reproduction by making a warm environment for insects. These insects would not have to expend extra energy to remain warm if they contributed to pollination in the heated flowers. A second explanation could be that the flower itself may need a constant temperature for development of their reproductive system. Or perhaps to prevent damage to sensitive parts that could be harmed in an uncontrolled environment.
       
         So how do plants generate heat in the first place? I learned that for a plant to generate heat, they activate two biochemical pathways in mitochondria, and one of these pathways is always found present in heat-producing plants. Both pathways use nutrients and oxygen to manufacture ATP, which can be broken apart to provide energy or produce heat. A complete flower head of the Philodendron selloum was studied, it appeared that it had a sort of thermostat to regulate heat. In male florets an activation of enzymes involved in heat generation resulted in an increase in heat production. Reversely, an inhibition of enzymes involved in heat generation resulted in a decrease in heat production. Electron micropsy also showed that their tissues had fat droplets and many mitochondria. This is similar to brown fat, a heat producing tissue in mammals.

        I thought this article was super interesting because it shows that plants have amazing capabilities. There is so many new things that can be discovered about plants because the whole plant kingdom is so vast and mysterious. Some of those heat producing plants have been reported to melt snow surrounding them! That is incredible, I feel like people misjudge how much plants can teach us, not to mention the roll they play in our survival. I believe this article shows the public that plants are more amazing then we give them credit for. Not only are they able to create their own food, create our food, and supply us with oxygen; they are able to regulate their own temperatures as well!
Summer R.