Funny Nature & Travel Art & Stage Going Viral Science Greetings Inspirational

Edit Profile Recently Viewed Favorites

Main > Nature & Travel > Nature

Cancers and Tumors in Plants are Nothing to Worry About

Edited By: Tamar Z.

Add to Favorites In Favorites

Español

Font Size:

A+ A-

Cancer has been a concern for living creatures since the first forms of civilization started building up. The earliest documentation of cancer is from an Egyptian papyrus dating back to 1500 BC. This disease has been affecting not only humans, but also animals for millennia, and it makes a lot of sense when you come to think of it. After all, we all have cells in our bodies, don't we? But what about plants? They have cells too. Can plants get cancers and tumors? And if so, are they as life-threatening to them as they are to us?

This isn't a fruit! It's a wasp gall on an apple tree

In short, the answer is yes. But not in the sense you're used to when talking about cancer. Plants (especially and specifically trees) can and do get tumors, but these aren't as fatal to the plant as they may be for mammals. This is due to several fundamental differences in the most basic structures of our bodies - the cells.

Plant anatomy is cancer-proof

Cells in a mammal's body can easily travel around it, and they do so constantly. This happens to you even now as you read these lines- blood cells travel all around your cardiovascular system. But this mechanism of cells being able to travel around the body (called metastasizing) is what makes cancer so fatal to us. This mechanism allows cancer to spread from one organ to another.

Plant cells can't travel around the plant's body. This means that even if a plant has a tumor, it won't ever spread. And the reason plant cells don't travel around is because of their structure. Our cells are surrounded by a soft membrane, through which molecules can get in and out as part of normal cell functioning. Plant cells have an additional rigid cell wall that surrounds the soft membrane and prevents the cells from moving around. This rigid cell wall serves many functions. For instance, it prevents the cells from collapsing and shriveling when there isn't enough water in the cell.

Being immune to death in the face of cancer is built into the very anatomy of trees. Unlike us mammals, plants don't have any vital organs- a heart or a brain that are essential for life. If any part of the plant is compromised by a cancerous growth, the plant can simply grow a new one. Oh, to be a plant!

Types of tree cancers

Crown galls/Source

The vast majority of documented cases of plant cancer have been caused by external pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, or pests. They can't get cancer from carcinogens like the sun's radiation or air pollution.

There are two common forms of cancer in trees. One causes crown galls and is triggered by the bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens. You've probably seen this at least once in your life, it looks somewhat like this:
crown galls on a eucalyptus tree Crown gall on a eucalyptus/Source

Another tumor-causing organism is called Plasmodiophora brassicae. It causes what we call clubroot- swollen, deformed roots. Plant tumors aren't always caused by an external pathogen. Plants more susceptible to these mutations are usually hybrids of two varieties. But by far, the most interesting of them all is the tumor caused by the gall wasps, the mechanism of which is described below:

having trouble playing this movie? click here

Sources: 1, 2, 3.

Like Next Post Send Share WhatsApp

Copy Link

Did you mean:

Continue With: Facebook Google

By continuing, you agree to our T&C and Privacy Policy

Report copyright infringement

Print this content

You may also like:

Nature

11:49

Is It Possible For Humans To Ever Be As Fast As Cheetahs?

The average cheetah can run at a speed of 80 – 130 km/h (50-80 mph)! Why are humans so slow in comparison?

Nature

7:45

Welcome to the Seed Bank in Kew Gardens, London

Welcome to the bank in Kew Gardens. It won't ever hold money, but it is bomb-proof. What is guarded there?

Nature

6 Stinging Plants You Wouldn't Want to Run Into, Literally

This Plant's Sting Lasts YEARS After the Initial Impact

In this article, we will share six of mother nature’s plants you literally wouldn’t want to run into ever in your life.

Nature

3:39

The Unlikely Bullies of the Underwater World

The story of the giant water lily, an underwater bully that takes over habitats to itself and won't share.

Nature

34 Species of Mushrooms That Come in All Sizes and Colors

A Rainbow Can Be Made From Mushrooms If You Look Right...

Mushrooms and other fungi aren't usually the most interesting, but if you find the right ones, they can fill your day with color!

Nature

2:53

This Is the Loneliest Tree in the World

This is a sad story of the world's loneliest tree, the Encephalartos woodii that resides in London's Royal Botanic Gardens

Travel

This Gulf City is Redefining the Future of Urban Living

12:57

Oman’s Smart Cities: A New Model for Urban Development

Let’s explore what makes Oman’s approach stand out in a region known for its ambitious transformations.

Health

Do Earphones Truly Ruin Our Hearing?

A recent analysis by the Acoustical Society of America shows that the younger generation is facing serious damage to their hearing ability

Send Comment

Related Topics: nature, plants, science, trees, bacteria, virus, cancer, ecology, biology, organism, growth, tumors, wasp, galls

Quizzes

A New Spelling Bee

Put your skills to the test with these 15 challenging spelling bee questions.

General History: 15 Challenging Questions

Epic General Knowledge Test

With four tantalizing options per question, only the truly erudite will conquer this trivia gauntlet.

Most popular in Nature

These Remarkable Animals Add Beauty to the World

The Intense Colors of These Animals Are Simply Astonishing

Though a lot of animals keep themselves to themselves, this collection of vibrant beasties want the world to see their colorful beauty!

7:21

WATCH: These Two Elephants Meet After 20 Years...

Being apart for 20 years can be hard, and when these 2 elephants finally met again, the results were simply beautiful.

In Pictures: 2024 Milky Way Photographer of the Year

These Images of Our Galaxy are Sure to Ignite Your Wonder

The 2024 Milky Way Photographer of the Year contest celebrates our galaxy's majesty.

These Are Common Animals But With Some Unusual Features

Nature Really Went Overboard While Creating These Animals

This rare collection of pictures shows common animals but with some truly unique features. Check it out!

These Animals Have Crazy Adaptation Abilities for Survival

19:18

5 Of the Most Remarkable Adaptations in the Natural World

This video looks at five animals who have some remarkable adaptation abilities for survival in the natural world.

We Have Never Seen Majestic Birds Shot From This Angle!

Nature photographer Ruurd Jelle van der Laij has been documenting birds for years, and over time he caught a few very funny shots of magnificent birds

Flying Animals: Strange Creatures With Aerial Abilities

7 Surprising Animals That Have The Ability To ‘Fly’

Here's a look at some unique and surprising members of the animal kingdom that have developed the ability to fly through the air.

30 Beautifully Mysterious Creatures of the Animal Kingdom

If it was down to me, photography would be nothing more than this: pure, unadulterated photos of lovely wild animals. Here's 30 of the best.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2024: 14 Stunning Shots

Incredible Wildlife Moments Frozen in Time: 14 Pics

Check out some of the highly commended photos of this year's Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.

These Marine Species Are Known For Being Gentle & Amiable

10 Adorable Sea Animals You Would Love to be Friends With

Take a look at some of friendliest sea creatures that are known to be gentle and amiable with humans.

14 Wild Cats Caught in Breathtaking Photographs

The Beauty of Wild Cats in 14 Mesmerizing Photos

Enjoy these incredible images of wild cats thriving in the wild.

15 Amazing Pictures of Breathtakingly Beautiful Animals

15 Magical Animal Moments That’ll Make You Smile All Day!

Animals sometimes take on the role of "models" and provide photographers with the opportunity to capture wonderful moments of magic that simply warm our hearts.

Discover the World of Powerful Big Cat Hybrids

There are types of big cats you've never heard about, and they're big. beautiful and powerful! Below are photos along some information about these big cat hybrids.

Witness the Stunning Majesty of the Birds of India

If you're a bird lover, then few places on this planet are more ideal for you than India. Find out why here.

These Beautiful Endangered Butterflies are a Joy to Behold

These exotic butterflies are extremly rare and placed high atop the endangered species list, but will fill your eyes with color and wonder.

Nature Really Does Have Some Gorgeous Geometry!

When nature makes use of geometry, it uses it in the most stunning of ways.

Far, Far Away, There's a Land Where Pandas Roam Free...

Giant pandas are highly endangered, however there's a beautiful sanctuary in China devoted to ensuring that population numbers are boosted. See the photos.

The Most Stunning Animal Photos of the Month!

The most stunning and beautiful animal photos!

16 Beautiful Breeds of Sheepdogs Found All Over the World

Sheepdogs aren't just farm dogs used for herding livestock, they also make incredibly sweet and caring pets, and efficient watchdogs.

Take a Look At These Gorgeous Birds From South America

15 of the Most Beautiful Birds in Brazil's Atlantic Forest

Here is a collection of pictures of some gorgeous and colorful birds from the Atlantic Forest in Brazil.

14 Award-Winning Photos of Our Beautiful Planet

Gallery: 2024 Natural Landscape Photography Winners!

Check out the amazing winners of the 2024 Natural Landscape Photography Awards.

Witness the Raw Beauty of Nature in These Glorious Pics

15 Magical Pics Presenting Nature in Its Finest Glory

Take a look at this magnificent collection of nature pictures that will transport you to a different world.

When Nature Paints The Sky With Breathtaking Clouds

17 Curious Clouds That Make You Look Twice At The Sky

These curious cloud shapes will leave you looking at the sky differently.

Nature Doesn’t Hold Back: 16 Pictures to Prove It

When Nature Strikes, You Can't Hide: 16 Captivating Photos

These 16 photos reveal nature’s fierce side.

These Beautiful Roses Last Longer than 3 Years

How's it Possible that These Roses Last for 3+ Years?

Wouldn't it be a beautiful idea to receive a rose that may last a lifetime? These flowers just might...

I Never Knew Mushrooms Could Be So Beautiful

Photographer Steve Axford captures some of the world's most fascinating mushrooms. Take a look.

Agora's Water 2020 Photo Contest Finalists

These Award Winning Photographs Prove Water is Magical

The photography completion themed ‘Water’ is mesmerizing! Let the images take you to beautiful rivers, seas and lakes all around the world.

16 Of Nature's Best Unintentional Works of Art

Sometimes the most moving and beautifully effortless works of art are the ones created by nature, without man's interference.

Gallery: Close-Up Photographer of the Year Winners

Get Close with the Aquatic World - Award-Winning Photos

Marvel at these award-winning photos from the Close-up Photographer of the Year.

8 Animals That Hibernate During Winter

We have all heard how bears hibernate during the winters. Here are 8 more animals that protect themselves from the cold by hibernating.

These Brilliant Photos Capture the Beauty of Insects

In Pictures: Royal Entomological Society Photo Contest

Check out the winners of the 2023 Royal Entomological Society photo contest.

India's Wild Tigers: Stunning Photo Gallery

Celebrating the Majesty of Indian Tigers - 14 Photos

Photographer Jitender Govindani's camera captures the majesty of Bengal tigers as they roam freely through India's jungles.

The Beauty of Cherry Blossoms Captured Around the World

You'll Only Get to See These Beautiful Flowers in Spring

Here's a collection of some of the most stunning images that showcase the beauty of these lovely trees.

14 Bizarre Animals You Didn’t Know About

I Never Thought Such Animals Existed. Wow.

Nature can be beautiful, but it can also be rather strange, especially when you see THESE animals. Most of them are endangered animals, living only in the smallest and most remote places on earth.

This Is Why 1 Man Fell in Love with the Emerald Island

Why One Man Fell in Love with the Emerald Island

Peter Meller moved to Ireland 10 years ago, and he wanted to explain to people why he has remained. He simply had no words, so he showed these amazing photos!