Option c is correct bcoz reversible process are not considered as growth.growth basically defined by two process cell differentiation and increase in no

Introduction:
When a piece of wood is placed in water, it may appear to swell due to the absorption of water. However, this swelling is not considered as growth. In this response, we will discuss the reasons why swelling of wood in water is not considered as growth.

Reasons why swelling of wood in water is not considered as growth:

A. It doesn't occur at the expense of energy:
One of the main reasons why swelling of wood in water is not considered as growth is that it doesn't occur at the expense of energy. Growth in living organisms involves the utilization of energy to build new cells, tissues, or structures. However, when wood absorbs water and swells, there is no energy expenditure involved. The swelling occurs due to the physical properties of the wood, such as the ability to absorb and retain water.

B. It is not a metabolic change:
Growth in living organisms is a metabolic process that involves various biochemical reactions and cellular activities. These metabolic processes result in the synthesis of new molecules and the formation of new structures. However, the swelling of wood in water is a physical change and does not involve any metabolic processes. The absorption of water by wood is primarily a result of capillary action and the ability of wood to retain water within its cellular structure.

C. It is a reversible process:
Unlike growth, which is typically a permanent and irreversible process, the swelling of wood in water is a reversible process. When wood absorbs water, it expands, and when it dries out, it contracts. This reversibility indicates that the swelling of wood in water is a physical response to changes in its environment rather than a permanent change in its structure or composition.

D. It is an extrinsic process:
The swelling of wood in water is an extrinsic process, meaning that it is influenced by external factors such as the presence of water. It does not involve the inherent growth potential of the wood itself. In contrast, growth in living organisms is an intrinsic process driven by the genetic information and cellular activities of the organism.

Conclusion:
In summary, the swelling of wood when placed in water is not considered as growth due to several reasons. It does not occur at the expense of energy, it is not a metabolic change, it is a reversible process, and it is an extrinsic process influenced by external factors. While the swelling of wood in water may visually resemble growth, it is important to understand the fundamental differences between growth in living organisms and the physical response of wood to water absorption.