Reduced Genome, Lost Roots, Functional Superorganism: A Hypothesis Explaining the Unique Productivity of Wolffia Mats

Wolffia is the smallest flowering plant on Earth, possessing a record growth rate among higher plants. Biomass doubles every 2–3 days, protein content reaches 45% of dry weight, and photosynthesis continues around the clock due to the loss of the circadian rhythm gene TOC1. Yet Wolffia lacks roots, stems, leaves, and a vascular system. Paradox: how does an organism with an extremely reduced genome and no transport system demonstrate productivity unattainable by "fully equipped" plants? This paper proposes the superorganism hypothesis: Wolffia fronds within a mat form a unified functional system with symplastic transport of metabolites and lipid-phase transport of CO₂, replacing the lost vascular system and enabling exponential growth. A model of separated transport pathways is proposed: water-soluble inorganic substances move upward through the symplast, organic substances move downward, and lipophilic substances move through the continuous lipid phase of the cuticle. The range limit of symplastic transport has been experimentally determined at 4–5 fronds (3–5 mm) per 24 hours. Preliminary experimental data are presented, and a verification program for independent laboratories is proposed.