Trichomes serve a number of functions, which include physical and chemical protection for the leaf against microbial organisms, aphids and insects , and the maintenance of a layer of still air on the leaf surface, thus combating excess water loss by transpiration.
What are trichomes and its functions?
Trichomes are hairs which are often found as epidermal outgrowths. The hairs of aerial parts may be unicellular or multicellular, branched or unbranched. Function : (a) They enclose stationary air and protect the plant organ against water loss and sudden fluctuation in atmospheric temperature .
What is the function of trichomes in leaves?
The non-glandular trichomes develop to form a thick and dense surface around the leaves which serves to protect leaves and the plant in general from harsh environmental conditions as well as protection from pathogens . With some plants such as Tragia cannabina stinging hairs develop to protect the plant from herbivores.
What is the function of the trichomes around a cotton seed?
These trichomes, also known as cotton seed hairs, are particularly long. Though each hair is made only of one cell it may elongate until it is over 2 inches long. Cotton is found covering the seeds of the cotton plant. The function of the hairs is said to aid in wind dispersal of the seed .
What is a function of the hairs trichomes on Xerophytic leaves?
Xerophytes and epiphytes often have a thick covering of trichomes or of stomata that are sunken below the leaf’s surface. Trichomes are specialized hair-like epidermal cells that secrete oils and substances. These adaptations impede air flow across the stomatal pore and reduce transpiration .
What are trichomes answer?
Trichomes (/ˈtraɪkoʊmz/ or /ˈtrɪkoʊmz/), from the Greek τρίχωμα (trichōma) meaning “hair”, are fine outgrowths or appendages on plants , algae, lichens, and certain protists. They are of diverse structure and function. Examples are hairs, glandular hairs, scales, and papillae.
How do trichomes help in taxonomy?
Trichomes are distributed at the surface of aerial plant parts, having various functions and are extremely variable in their presence across plant, location on plant organs, density, form, etc. , and, therefore, their morphology and structure can be used as taxonomic markers in the infrageneric classification of the ...
What are the stages of trichomes?
There are essentially four stages of trichome development, as shown above: Clear, Cloudy, Amber and Mixed . Each of these stages have various consequences on the strain effects, and can be great indicators of when to harvest.
What do trichomes prevent animals from doing?
Trichomes can be insulating by keeping frost away from leaf cells. They can help reduce evaporation by protecting the plant from wind and heat. In many cases, trichomes protect plants from herbivorous insects that may want to feed on them.
What is in trichomes that may cause skin irritations?
The stinging trichomes of the leaves and stems have bulbous tips that break off when brushed against, revealing needlelike tubes that pierce the skin. They inject a mix of acetylcholine, formic acid, histamine, and serotonin , causing an itchy, burning rash in humans and other animals that may...
Is cotton a trichome?
Cotton (Gossypium spp) plants produce seed trichomes (cotton fibers) that are an important commodity worldwide; however, genes controlling cotton fiber development have not been characterized.
Is a trichome an organelle?
Cells of the young trichome contain a large nucleus with prominent nucleoli and few small cellular organelles .
What is Lignified trichome?
Cinchona . Datura . Digitalis. Nux-vomica.
What does the epidermis do in a leaf?
Epidermis, in botany, outermost, protoderm-derived layer of cells covering the stem, root, leaf, flower, fruit, and seed parts of a plant. The epidermis and its waxy cuticle provide a protective barrier against mechanical injury, water loss, and infection .
What stomata do?
Stomata are composed of a pair of specialized epidermal cells referred to as guard cells (Figure 3). Stomata regulate gas exchange between the plant and environment and control of water loss by changing the size of the stomatal pore.
What does the lower epidermis do in a leaf?
Lower Epidermis: A protective layer of cells. The lower epidermis produces a waxy cuticle too in some plant species. The lower epidermis contains pores called stomata that allow carbon dioxide and oxygen to move in and out of the plant respectively.
