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March 18, 2009 : Arabidopsis thaliana
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Plant Family / Families: Brassicaceae
Scientific Name and Author: Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh.
After yesterday's interlude, we return to the UBC research series. Ruth continues:
Assistant Professor Jin-Gui Chen from the UBC Botany Department conducts research in plant cell biology. He writes: "Trichomes are hair-like epidermal outgrowths on the surface of leaves, stems and some floral organs. It is generally recognized that trichomes have protective roles. For example, trichomes interfere with the feeding of some herbivores. The most important trichome for human beings is the cotton fibre. Many trichomes, such as glandular trichomes in lavender (Lavandula) and peppermint (Mentha × piperita) are also important places for oil and fragrance production."
"By studying model laboratory plant Arabidopsis thaliana, scientists have found that the number and distribution of trichomes are largely determined by the interactions and competitions between several different types of transcription factor--proteins that regulate the expression of target genes. These studies make it possible to alter the number, property (e.g. length), and distribution of trichomes in plants with economic values. Shown on the top are leaf trichomes in a normal (wild-type) Arabidopsis plant. By controlling the expression level of certain transcription factors, the leaf could become glabrous (the middle photograph) or very hairy (the bottom image)."
Posted by Daniel Mosquin at March 18, 2009 10:29 PM
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Comments
Posted by: Susanne at March 19, 2009 5:32 AM
Oh the memories - I spent the better part of my freshman year dipping leaves in liquid nitrogen, then meticulously scraping off the trichomes to isolate them.
Posted by: Dan at March 19, 2009 6:00 AM
Something new learned. And aren't they photogenic, too.
Posted by: Annie Morgan at March 19, 2009 6:51 AM
Are trichomes responsible for the sting of the nettles?
Posted by: Connie at March 19, 2009 7:54 AM
Interesting. Trichomes are also responsible taste/smell/inebriating effects of marijuana. Perhaps we can use the knowledge above to make smoking pot even more delicious and fun than it already is.
Posted by: Brian T. at March 19, 2009 10:39 AM
Well, Bravo Brian!
Posted by: Quin at March 19, 2009 10:54 AM
They look like sponge spicules. Neat.
Posted by: Meg Bernstein at March 19, 2009 9:21 PM
Seems that there might be another role in areas where there is morning fog or mist. More surface area for moisture to gather and run down the leaf and stem or petiole.
Nice close-up.
Posted by: M. D. Vaden of Oregon at March 19, 2009 10:43 PM
Trichomes are neat. They come in different shapes (the peppermint trichome is like a tiny ball on a stalk, look it up on Google Images!) and they also serve to reflect light from the leaves.
Yes, I think that the trichomes are the so-called stinging hairs of nettles.
Posted by: Carolina at March 19, 2009 10:52 PM
this page never ceases to be interesting
thank you to every one
Posted by: elizabeth a airhart at March 20, 2009 11:14 AM
I want to know that is arabidopsis thaliana can produce electricity(current) kindly inform me.
Posted by: Maruf at June 30, 2009 11:03 AM
Please share your comments about the photograph(s) and accompanying write-up. Telling a story about the subject of the photograph(s) is also much appreciated! If you have a gardening question, the best place to ask is on the UBC Botanical Garden Forums. Thank you!
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Hah! never noticed the trichomes! I guess I'll have to go and check for myself!