potatoes

[AndyH]

After a potato is harvested, what happens to it internally, it's cellular structure, enzymes. What happens when it sprouts?

Thanks

[Linn]

This topic could be in Botany


a potato is a specialized stem also called a tuber in which food has been stored that the new plant will utilize until it makes new leaves.. The "eyes" of the potato are really auxillery buds. The chemicals in the cells in these buds respond to changes in temperature and light etc, signaling changes in enzymes and production of hormones called Auxins which promote stem growth.. potatos have a dormant stage usualy when harvested they are in this stage already.

The potatos you buy in the store are usualy treated with a growth supressant to keep them from sprouting longer. But sooner or later if you have them too long or if it is near springtime they will start to sprout.