What is the term for the process where plants close over damaged tissue and wall it off from the rest of the plant?

The term for the process where plants close over damaged tissue and wall it off from the rest of the plant is compartmentalization. This is a crucial physiological response that enables plants to manage and limit damage caused by injury or disease. When a plant sustains damage, such as from wounding or pathogen invasion, it forms barriers around the affected area to prevent the spread of harmful organisms and to protect the healthy tissues.

Compartmentalization involves the synthesis of protective compounds that strengthen cell walls and create a physical barrier, often resulting in the formation of layers of new growth that encapsulate the damaged tissue. This process is essential for promoting healing and resilience in plants, allowing them to survive and continue growing despite adverse conditions.

Other terms presented as options represent different concepts. Regeneration refers to the process through which a plant may regrow lost or damaged organs, such as leaves or roots, rather than the initial response to damage. Isolation could imply separating or keeping something apart but does not specifically describe the mechanism employed by plants in response to injury. Recovery generally refers to the overall process of returning to a healthy state following stress or damage, without focusing on the specific internal mechanisms like compartmentalization.