Chapter 2 Effects of Leaf Water Evaporative

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Chapter 2 Effects of Leaf Water Evaporative Research Collection Doctoral Thesis Partial transfer of leaf water ²H-enrichment and variable biosynthetic fractionation affect the leaf wax n-alkane δ²H values in grasses Author(s): Gamarra, Bruno Publication Date: 2016 Permanent Link: https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-a-010713453 Rights / License: In Copyright - Non-Commercial Use Permitted This page was generated automatically upon download from the ETH Zurich Research Collection. For more information please consult the Terms of use. ETH Library DISS. ETH No. 23286 Partial transfer of leaf water 2H-enrichment and variable biosynthetic fractionation affect the leaf wax n-alkane δ 2H values in grasses A thesis submitted to attain the degree of DOCTOR OF SCIENCES of ETH ZURICH (Dr. sc. ETH Zurich) presented by BRUNO GAMARRA MSc ETH Environ. Sc., ETH Zurich born on 23.06.1982 of Peruvian nationality accepted on the recommendation of Prof. Dr. Ansgar Kahmen Prof. Dr. Tim Eglinton Dr. Rolf Siegwolf 2016 Table of contents i Table of contents Summary ................................................................................................................................... 1 Zusammenfassung .................................................................................................................... 5 Chapter 1 ................................................................................................................................... 9 General introduction Chapter 2 ................................................................................................................................. 25 Effects of leaf water evaporative 2H-enrichment and biosynthetic fractionation on leaf wax n-alkane δ2H values in C3 and C4 grasses Chapter 3 ................................................................................................................................. 67 Low secondary leaf wax n-alkane synthesis on fully mature leaves of C3 grasses grown at low and high humidity Chapter 4 ................................................................................................................................. 95 Concentrations and δ2H values of cuticular n-alkanes vary significantly among plant organs, species and habitats in grasses from an alpine and a temperate European grasslands Chapter 5 ............................................................................................................................... 129 Conclusions Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................... 137 ii Table of contents Summary 1 Summary Leaf wax n-alkanes are long chained hydrocarbons contained in the cuticle of terrestrial plants. Leaf wax n-alkane δ2H values have been successfully used to study the hydrological cycle, plant-water and plant-carbon relationships. However, the physiological and biochemical drivers that shape leaf wax n-alkane δ2H values are not completely understood. It is particularly unclear, why n-alkanes in grasses are typically 2H-depleted compared to dicotyledonous plants and why C3 grasses are 2H-depleted compared to C4 grasses. Also, the timing of n-alkane synthesis and the de novo synthesis of n-alkanes in fully matured leaves are still matter of debate. On top, calibration studies designed to resolve sources of heterogeneity in n-alkane δ2H values have exclusively focused on n-alkanes derived from leaves. To solve these uncertainties three studies aimed to explore how leaf wax n-alkane δ2H values in grasses are influenced by plant physiological and biochemical processes. In the first study the effect of leaf water evaporative 2H-enrichment (LW Δ2H) on n-alkane δ2H values was quantified for a range of C3 and C4 grasses that were grown in climate chambers under controlled environmental conditions. It was found that only a fraction of the LW Δ2H is imprinted on the n-alkane δ2H values in C3 and C4 grasses. It was also detected that the biosynthetic hydrogen isotope fractionation (εbio) was different for C3 and C4 grasses. As such, differences between leaf wax n-alkane δ2H values of C3 and C4 grasses would not be 2 driven by LW Δ H but largely the result of systematic differences in εbio between these two plant groups. 2 Summary In the second study the timing of the leaf wax n-alkane synthesis was investigated. Specifically the secondary leaf wax n-alkane synthesis was tested in mature leaf blades of C3 grass species. The experiments showed an incorporation of hydrogen from highly 2H- enriched irrigation water into the wax n-alkanes from mature leaves. Mature grass leaves continued the synthesis of wax n-alkanes after leaf emergence. The rate of secondary n- alkanes synthesis was, however, relatively low and varied among species from 0.09% to 1.09% per day. As such, leaf wax n-alkane δ2H values would be determined mainly by environmental and physiological conditions in the beginning of the life of a leaf. In the third study n-alkane concentration and δ2H values of different grass organs were surveyed. Leaves, sheaths, stems, inflorescences and roots were sampled from a total of 15 species of C3 grasses in temperate and alpine grasslands in Switzerland. It was detected that inflorescences had typically much larger n-alkane concentrations compared to other organs while roots had very low n-alkane concentrations. The δ2H values of the carbon autonomous plant organs such as leaves, sheaths and stems were in general more negative compared to the non-carbon autonomous organs such as inflorescences and roots. Variable n-alkane δ2H values in different plant organs could be the result of differences in the H- NADPH biosynthetic origin in response to the carbon autonomy of the plant organ. Overall, this thesis brings new insights into the natural variability of leaf wax n-alkane δ2H values in grasses. The incomplete transfer of LW Δ2H to the leaf wax n-alkanes δ2H values in grasses can explain why grasses are typically 2H-depleted compared to dicotyledonous plants. The low secondary leaf wax n-alkane synthesis in grass leaves after maturity suggests that in general leaf wax lipid δ2H values do not record environmental and plant physiological processes beyond leaf maturity. Finally, a different εbio between C3 and C4 grasses and also between grass organs suggests that n-alkane δ2H values have a great Summary 3 potential as indicator of changes in plant carbon autonomy. This has important implications for the interpretation of n-alkane δ2H values in plant physiology and paleoecology. 4 Summary Zusammenfassung 5 Zusammenfassung Blattwachs n-Alkane sind langkettige Kohlenwasserstoffe die in der Epidermis von Landpflanzen vorkommen. δ2H-Werte von Blattwachs n-Alkanen wurden bisher erfolgreich verwendet um den Wasserkreislauf und die Beziehungen zwischen der Pflanze und dem Wasser sowie dem Kohlenstoff zu untersuchen. Dennoch sind die Auswirkungen von physiologischen und biochemischen Prozessen auf die δ2H-Werte von Blattwachs n-Alkanen bisher wenig verstanden. Vor allen Dingen ist unklar, warum die n-Alkane in Gräsern, verglichen zu dikotylen Pflanzen, grundsätzlich in 2H abgereichert sind, und warum C3 Gräser stärker abgereichert sind als C4 Gräser. Auch ist der Zeitpunkt der n-Alkan Synthese und der de novo Synthese von n-Alkanen in voll entwickelten Blättern immer noch ein Diskussionsgegenstand. Bisher veröffentlichte Kalibrationsstudien, welche die Ursachen der Heterogenität von n-Alkan δ2H-Werten untersuchten, fokussierten dabei ausschliesslich auf die n-Alkane von Blättern. Für eine genauere Erforschung dieses Themas, wurden in dieser Doktorarbeit drei Studien durchgeführt, welche die Effekte von physiologischen und biochemischen Prozessen auf die δ2H-Werte von Blattwachs n-Alkanen in Gräsern untersuchen. In der ersten Studie wurde der Effekt der evaporativen Blattwasser-2H-Anreicherung (LW Δ2H) auf die δ2H-Werte der n-Alkane für eine Auswahl von C3 und C4 Gräsern bestimmt. Dafür wurden die Gräser unter kontrollierten Umweltbedingungen in Klimakammern kultiviert. Die Studie ergab, dass die LW Δ2H-Anreicherung nur teilweise in den δ2H-Werten der n-Alkane der C3 und C4 Gräser sichtbar ist. Darüber hinaus wurde auch gezeigt, dass sich die biosynthetische Fraktionierung der Wasserstoffisotopen (εbio) in C3 und C4 Pflanzen unterscheidet. Aus 6 Zusammenfassung diesem Grund wird angenommen, dass die δ2H-Werte der Blattwachs n-Alkane von C3 und C4 Gräsern nicht durch die LW Δ2H-Anreicherung bestimmt werden, sondern vielmehr durch systematische Unterschiede dieser beiden Pflanzengruppen in ihrer εbio. In der zweiten Studie lag der Fokus auf der Bestimmung des Zeitpunktes der Blattwachs n-Alkan Synthese in Gräsern. Dafür wurde die sekundäre Blattwachs n-Alkan Synthese in voll entwickelten Blattspreiten von C3 Gräsern untersucht. Dabei konnten die Experimente zeigen, dass Wasserstoff aus stark 2H-angereichertem Bewässerungswasser in Wachs n-Alkane von voll entwickelten Blättern eingebunden wurde. Dabei fand die Wachs n- Alkan Synthese in voll entwickelten Blättern auch nach dem Blattaustrieb weiterhin statt. Die Rate der sekundären n-Alkan Synthese war jedoch relativ tief und variierte für verschiedene Arten zwischen 0.09 und 1.09% pro Tag. Aufgrund dieser tiefen Rate werden die δ2H-Werte der Blattwachs n-Alkane vor allem durch die Umweltbedingungen in der Austriebsphase der Blätter festgelegt. In der dritten Studie wurden die n-Alkan Konzentrationen und die δ2H-Werte von verschiedenen Grasorganen untersucht. Dafür wurden Blätter, Blattscheiden, Stängel, Blütenstände und Wurzeln von 15
Recommended publications
  • Open Doman MS Thesis.Pdf
    The Pennsylvania State University The Graduate School Department of Geosciences STABLE ISOTOPE AND LIPID SIGNATURES OF PLANTS ACROSS A CLIMATE GRADIENT: IMPLICATIONS FOR BIOMARKER-BASED PALEOCLIMATE RECONSTRUCTIONS A Thesis in Geosciences by Christine E. Doman 2015 Christine E. Doman Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science August 2015 ii The thesis of Christine E. Doman was reviewed and approved* by the following: Katherine H. Freeman Professor of Geoscience Thesis Advisor Mark Patzkowsky Professor of Geosciences Matthew Fantle Associate Professor of Geosciences Demian Saffer Professor of Geosciences Interim Associate Head of Graduate Programs *Signatures are on file in the Graduate School iii ABSTRACT Plant wax n-alkanes are long, saturated hydrocarbons that form part of the protective, waxy cuticle on leaves. These lipids are pervasive and persistent in soils and sediments and are ideal biomarkers of ancient terrestrial organic matter. In ecosystems dominated by C3 plants, fractionation of carbon and hydrogen isotopes during production of whole leaves and hydrocarbon lipids are well documented, but the sensitivity of isotopic fractionation between leaves and lipids to climate has not been fully investigated. Further, there are few studies of stable isotopes in C4 plant lipids. In both cases, it is unclear if carbon and hydrogen isotopic fractionations during lipid production are sensitive to environmental conditions, such as moisture, or if they reflect inherited characteristics tied to taxonomic or phylogenetic affiliation. This study used a natural climate gradient on the Kohala peninsula of Hawaii to investigate relationships 13 2 between climate and the δ C and δ H values of n-alkanes in three taxa of C3 and two taxa of C4 plants.
    [Show full text]
  • The Surface Wax of the Grape Berry: Interactions with Chemical Sprays and Subsequent Susceptibility to Botrytis Infection
    The surface wax of the grape berry: interactions with chemical sprays and subsequent susceptibility to Botrytis infection Botrytis hyphae growing over surface of grape berry FINAL REPORT to GRAPE AND WINE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Project Number: CSU 02/01 Principal Investigators: Suzy Rogiers & Melanie Weckert Research Organisation: National Wine & Grape Industry Centre Date: February, 2005 1 The surface wax of the grape berry: interactions with chemical sprays and subsequent susceptibility to Botrytis infection Suzy Y Rogiers National Wine & Grape Industry Centre Melanie Weckert Charles Sturt University National Wine & Grape Industry Centre Locked Bag 588 Charles Sturt University Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678 Locked Bag 588 Ph: 02 6933 2436 Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678 Fax: 02 6933 2107 Ph: 02 6933 2720 Email: Fax: 02 6933 2107 [email protected] Email: [email protected] February, 2005 Copyright: National Wine & Grape Industry Centre Disclaimer: The advice provided in this document is intended as a source of information only. The NWGIC and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from your relying on any information in this publication. 2 Table of Contents 1. Abstract 5 2. Executive summary 6 3. Background 8 4. Project aims and performance targets 9 5. Methods 10 5.1 Field treatments 10 5.2 Cryo-SEM 12 5.3 Botrytis inoculation 12 5.4 Microflora populations count 12 5.5 Statstics 12 6.
    [Show full text]
  • Pigments, Epicuticular Wax and Leaf Nutrients
    rch: O ea pe es n A R t c s c e e r s o s Forest Research F Maiti R, et al., Forest Res 2016, 5:2 Open Access DOI: 10.4172/2168-9776.1000170 ISSN: 2168-9776 Research Article Open Access Biodiversity in Leaf Chemistry (Pigments, Epicuticular Wax and Leaf Nutrients) in Woody Plant Species in North-eastern Mexico, a Synthesis Maiti R1*, Rodriguez HG2, Sarkar NC3 and Kumari A4 1Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Facultad de Ciencias Forestales, Carr. Nac. No. 85 Km. 45, Linares, Nuevo Leon 67700, México 2Humberto González Rodríguez, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Facultad de Ciencias Forestales, Carr. Nac. No. 85 Km. 45, Linares, Nuevo León 67700, México 3Department of ASEPAN, Institute of Agriculture, Visva-Bharati, PO- Sriniketan, Birbhum (Dist), West Bengal (731 236), India 4Department of Plant Physiology, Professor Jaya Shankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Agricultural College, Polasa, Jagtial, Karimnagar-505 529, India *Corresponding author: Maiti R, Visiting Scientist, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Facultad de Ciencias Forestales, Carr. Nac. No. 85 Km. 45, Linares, Nuevo Leon 67700, México, Tel: 52-8116597090; E-mail: [email protected]/ [email protected] Received date: 11 Jan 2016; Accepted date: 04 Feb 2016; Published date: 06 Feb 2016 Copyright: © 2016 Maiti R, et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. Abstract The leaves of trees and shrubs possess various chemical components such as leaf pigments, epicuticular wax and various macro and micronutrients.
    [Show full text]
  • Morphology and Accumulation of Epicuticular Wax on Needles of Douglas-Fir Pseudotsuga( Menziesii Var
    Constance A. Harrington1 and William C. Carlson, USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, 3625 93rd Ave. SW, Olympia, Washington 98512 Morphology and Accumulation of Epicuticular Wax on Needles of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii) Abstract Past studies have documented differences in epicuticular wax among several tree species but little attention has been paid to changes in accumulation of foliar wax that can occur during the year. We sampled current-year needles from the termi- nal shoots of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii) in late June/early July, late August and early November. Needles were sampled from two sites that differed in their climate and shoot phenology. Adaxial (upper), abaxial (lower) and cross-sectional surfaces were examined on scanning electron micrographs. Wax thickness increased significantly (P < 0.01) during the year (from 2.9 ± 0.26 µm in late June/early July to 4.4 ± 0.13 µm in early November). Mean wax thick- ness was slightly thicker on adaxial (4.0 ± 0.16 µm) than on abaxial (3.5 ± 0.22 µm) surfaces (P = 0.03). There were no significant differences in wax thickness between needles sampled at the base of the terminal shoot or near the tip of the shoot. Tubular or rod-shaped epicuticular wax crystals were sparsely developed on adaxial surfaces, completely covered abaxial surfaces (including filling all stomatal cavities), and had the same general structure and appearance across sites and sampling dates. Some erosion of epicuticular wax crystals on adaxial surfaces and presence of amorphous wax on abaxial surfaces was observed late in the year when epicuticular wax thickness was the thickest.
    [Show full text]
  • Scanning Electron Microscopy of the Leaf Epicuticular Waxes of the Genus Gethyllis L
    Soulh Afnc.1n Journal 01 Bol811Y 2001 67 333-343 Copynghl €I NISC Ply LId Pnmed In South Alnca - All ngills leserved SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY ISSN 0254- 5299 Scanning electron microscopy of the leaf epicuticular waxes of the genus Gethyllis L. (Amaryllidaceae) and prospects for a further subdivision C Weiglin Technische Universitat Berlin, Herbarium BTU, Sekr. FR I- I, Franklinstrasse 28-29, 0-10587 Berlin, Germany e-mail: [email protected] Recei ved 23 August 2000, accepled in revised form 19 January 2001 The leaf epicuticular wax ultrastructure of 32 species of ridged rodlets is conspicuous and is interpreted as the genus Gethyllis are for the first time investigated being convergent. In three species wax dimorphism was and discussed. Non-entire platelets were observed in discovered, six species show a somewhat rosette-like 12 species, entire platelets with transitions to granules orientation of non-entire or entire platelets and in four in seven species, membranous platelets in nine species a tendency to parallel orientation of non-entire species and smooth layers in eight species, Only or entire platelets was evident. It seems that Gethyllis, GethyJlis transkarooica is distinguished by its trans­ from its wax morphology, is highly diverse and versely ridged rodlets. The occurrence of transversely deserves further subdivision. Introduction The outer epidermal cell walls of nearly all land plants are gle species among larger taxa, cu ltivated plants , varieties covered by a cuticle cons isting mainly of cutin, an insoluble and mutants (Juniper 1960, Leigh and Matthews 1963, Hall lipid pOlyester of substituted aliphatic acids and long chain et al.
    [Show full text]
  • Characterization and Chemical Composition of Epicuticular Wax from Banana Leaves Grown in Northern Thailand
    Songklanakarin J. Sci. Technol. 39 (4), 509-516, Jul - Aug. 2017 http://www.sjst.psu.ac.th Original Article Characterization and chemical composition of epicuticular wax from banana leaves grown in Northern Thailand Suporn Charumanee1*, Songwut Yotsawimonwat 1, Panee Sirisa-ard 1, and Kiatisak Pholsongkram2 1 Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Mueang, Chiang Mai, 50200 Thailand 2Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Sciences, Payap University, Mueang, Chiang Mai, 50000 Thailand Received: 22 April 2016; Revised: 2 July 2016; Accepted: 16 July 2010 Abstract This study aimed to investigate the physicochemical properties and chemical composition of epicuticular wax extracted from leaves of Kluai Namwa, a banana cultivar which is widely grown in Northern Thailand. Its genotype was identified by a botanist. The wax was extracted using solvent extraction. The fatty acid profiles and physicochemical properties of the wax namely melting point, congealing point, crystal structures and polymorphism, hardness, color, and solubility were examined and compared to those of beeswax, carnauba wax and paraffin wax. The results showed that the genotype of Kluai Namwa was Musa acuminata X M. balbisiana (ABB group) cv. Pisang Awak. The highest amount of wax extracted was 274 g/cm2 surface area. The fatty acid composition and the physicochemical properties of the wax were similar to those of carnauba wax. It could be suggested that the banana wax could be used as a replacement for carnauba wax in various utilizing areas. Keywords: epicuticular wax, banana wax, Kluai Namwa, Musa spp. carnauba wax 1. Introduction air pollution. However, it is interesting that, the outermost part of banana leaf is covered with lipid substance, which is Banana (Musa spp.) is one of the most widely so-called the epicuticular wax.
    [Show full text]
  • Properties, Variations, Roles, and Potential Applications of Epicuticular Wax: a Review
    Turkish Journal of Botany Turk J Bot (2018) 42: 135-149 http://journals.tubitak.gov.tr/botany/ © TÜBİTAK Review Article doi:10.3906/bot-1702-25 Properties, variations, roles, and potential applications of epicuticular wax: a review 1 1 2 1, Priyal SHARMA , Shankar Lal KOTHARI , Mahender Singh RATHORE , Vinod Singh GOUR * 1 Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India 2 Basic Tasar Silkworm Seed Organization, Central Silk Board, Bilaspur, India Received: 16.02.2017 Accepted/Published Online: 16.07.2017 Final Version: 20.03.2018 Abstract: The cuticular wax layer covers the aerial surface of plants and acts as a barrier between plants and the environment. The cuticle plays a key role in the protection of plants from pathogens, UV light, and transpiration. Variation in the wax quality and quantity is influenced by factors like the solvent used for extraction, species, ontogeny, and season. Compounds isolated from the cuticle layer have been studied by various methods and were found to play an important role from the ecological and physiological points of view. These compounds include esters, alcohols, ether, alkane, and aldehydes. Nonpolar compounds help reduce water loss in plants. The wax can be explored for its potential applications in developing sustainable green packaging material. This review article will facilitate biologists and nonbiologists to get comprehensive and updated knowledge about various aspects of cuticular wax including its chemical composition and variations among different species and seasons. Further studies of the wax composition will pave the way for classification of plant species and an understanding of plant protection from biotic and abiotic stresses.
    [Show full text]
  • Image Analysis of Epicuticular Damage to Foliage Caused by Dry Deposition of the Air Pollutant Nitric Acid
    PAPER www.rsc.org/jem | Journal of Environmental Monitoring Image analysis of epicuticular damage to foliage caused by dry deposition of the air pollutant nitric acid a b a b Pamela E. Padgett,* Sally D. Parry, Andrzej Bytnerowicz and Robert L. Heath Received 26th March 2008, Accepted 17th September 2008 First published as an Advance Article on the web 23rd October 2008 DOI: 10.1039/b804875d Nitric acid vapor is produced by the same photochemical processes that produce ozone. In the laboratory, concentrated nitric acid is a strong acid and a powerful oxidant. In the environment, where the concentrations are much lower, it is an innocuous source of plant nitrogen. As an air pollutant, which mode of action does dry deposition of nitric acid follow? We investigated the effects of dry deposition of nitric acid on the foliage of four tree species native to the western United States. A novel controlled environment, fumigation system enabled a four-week exposure at concentrations consistent with ambient diurnal patterns. Scanning electron microscopy and automated image analysis revealed changes in the epicuticular wax layer during fumigation. Exposure to nitric acid resulted in a reproducible suite of damage symptoms that increased with increasing dose. Each tree species tested exhibited a unique set of damage features, including cracks, lesions, and conformation changes to epicuticular crystallite structures. Dry deposition of atmospheric nitric acid caused substantial perturbation to the epicuticular surface of all four tree species investigated, consistent with the chemical oxidation of epicuticular waxes. Automated image analysis eliminated many biases that can trouble microscopy studies. Trade names and commercial enterprises or products are mentioned solely for information.
    [Show full text]
  • Redalyc.Patterns of Leaf Epicuticular Waxes in Species of Clusia
    Interciencia ISSN: 0378-1844 [email protected] Asociación Interciencia Venezuela Medina, Ernesto; Aguiar, Guillermina; Gómez, Matilde; Medina, José D. Patterns of leaf epicuticular waxes in species of clusia: taxonomical implications Interciencia, vol. 29, núm. 10, octubre, 2004, pp. 579-582 Asociación Interciencia Caracas, Venezuela Available in: http://www.redalyc.org/articulo.oa?id=33909707 How to cite Complete issue Scientific Information System More information about this article Network of Scientific Journals from Latin America, the Caribbean, Spain and Portugal Journal's homepage in redalyc.org Non-profit academic project, developed under the open access initiative PATTERNS OF LEAF EPICUTICULAR WAXES IN SPECIES OF Clusia: TAXONOMICAL IMPLICATIONS Ernesto Medina, Guillermina Aguiar, Matilde Gómez and José D. Medina SUMMARY The genus Clusia L. (Clusiaceae) encompasses ca. 300 species quantity of hexane-soluble compounds extractable from the leaf sur- and occurs from southern USA and Mexico, to southern Brazil and face, which amount to >90% in Clusia rosea, C. orthoneura, and C. Bolivia. It includes free-standing trees and shrubs, hemiepiphytes, minor, the presence of the triterpenes α-amyrin and lupeol in C. epiphytes, and lianas. Taxonomic analysis of this genus is difficult multiflora, and of friedelin and taraxerol, together with C33 and because of the poor preservation of floral material after drying. C35, in C. grandiflora and C. schomburgkiana. The results suggest This work explores the composition of epicuticular waxes in order that the relative proportions of alkanes and triterpenoids in epicu- to allow characterization, at the species level, using chemical mark- ticular waxes may have taxonomic significance for separating spe- ers.
    [Show full text]
  • Epicuticular Leaf Waxes of the Hop (Humulus Lupulus)
    Epicuticular Leaf Waxes of the Hop (Humulus lupulus). Chemical Composition and Surface Structures P.-G. Gülz, E. Müller, T. Herrmann Botanisches Institut der Universität zu Köln, Gyrhofstraße 15, D-50931 Köln, Bundesrepublik Deutschland and P. Lösel Bayer A.G., Pflanzenschutzzentrum Monheim, Institut für tierische Schädlinge, D-51368 Bayerwerk, Leverkusen, Bundesrepublik Deutschland Z. Naturforsch. 48c, 689-696 (1993); received July 5, 1993 Humulus lupulus, Cannabaceae, Epicuticular Leaf Waxes, Wax Surface Structures, Trichomes The epicuticular wax layer of Humulus lupulus contains homologous series of hydrocarbons, wax esters, benzyl acyl esters, aldehydes, primary alcohols, fatty acids and the triterpenoids ß-amyrin, a-amyrin both free and esterified with long chain fatty acids and also friedelanone. At 54%, primary alcohols form the largest component. No single class of lipids forms a pre­ dominant component (i.e. more than 80%) of the wax layer. Under scanning microscopical examination, both upper and lower surfaces of H. lupulus leaves appear covered by a continu­ ous way layer which is devoid of any sculpturing or crystalloids. Epidermal cells are arranged in dense lamellate or undulate cuticular folds. Four different types of trichomes were identified on the surfaces of hop leaves and tendrils. The adaxial leaf surface bears numerous single, uni­ cellular, silicified, pointed hairs as well as many glands. On the abaxial leaf surface there are very long pointed hairs arising only from the veins. Hairs on the hop tendrils arise from the veins but are completely different in shape having two sharp points extending at right angles to the hair-base. Introduction seeds, fruits and leaves). Despite considerable di­ versity in the composition of epicuticular wax Humulus lupulus (L.) belongs to the family Can­ components, their common, primary function is nabaceae of which Cannabis sativa is also a m em ­ maintaining the cuticle as a nearly impermeable ber.
    [Show full text]
  • Compound-Specific Hydrogen Isotope Ratios of Sedimentary N-Alkanes: A
    Compound-specific hydrogen isotope ratios of sedimentary n-alkanes: a new palaeoclimate proxy Dissertation Zur Erlangung des akademischen Grades doctor rerum naturalium (Dr. rer. nat.) vorgelegt dem Rat der Chemisch-Geowissenschaftlichen Fakultät der Friedrich-Schiller- Universität Jena von Diplom-Geologe Dirk Sachse Geboren am 24.09.1974 in Halle/Saale Gutachter: 1. PD Dr. Gerd Gleixner (Max-Planck Institut für Biogeochemie Jena) 2. Prof. Reinhard Gaupp (Friedrich-Schiller Universität Jena) 3. Prof. John M. Hayes (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Massachustetts, U.S.A.) Datum der öffentlichen Verteidigung: 29. Juni 2005 Index INDEX.............................................................................................................................................................................3 1. INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................................................5 1.1. OBJECTIVES......................................................................................................................................................7 1.2. THESIS ORGANISATION ...................................................................................................................................7 2. METHODS/STRATEGIES.................................................................................................................................9 2.1. SAMPLE SITES AND FIELD SAMPLING.............................................................................................................9
    [Show full text]
  • Chemistry and Morphology of Epicuticular Waxes from Various Organs of Jojoba
    Chemistry and Morphology of Epicuticular Waxes from Various Organs of Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis [Link] Schneider) Paul-Gerhard Gülz Botanisches Institut der Universität zu Köln, Gyrhofstr. 15, D-5000 Köln 41, Bundesrepublik Deutschland and Kurt Hängst Museum für Ostasiatische Kunst, Universitätsstr. 100, D-5000 Köln 1, Bundesrepublik Deutsch­ land Z. Naturforsch. 38 c, 683-688 (1983); received June 7, 1983 Jojoba, Epicuticular Waxes, Wax Morphology, Leaves, Stems, Pericarp, Seed Coats, Scanning Electron Microscopy The surface of leaves and seed coats of Jojoba is covered with similar amounts of epicuticular waxes per surface area. The composition of these waxes was analysed by chemical methods, whereas their microscopic structures in situ were revealed by scanning electron microscopy. Differences in the chemical structure and composition of the complex mixtures cause differences in the morphological appearance of wax on the surface of both organs. The predominance of saturated and long chain components in leaf wax results in a crystalline wax layer on this organ. In contrast, the seed coat carries a cover of non-crystalline fluid consistency. The lower melting point of this wax mixture is caused by shorter chain and unsaturated compounds predominating on this organ. Introduction [15, 16], The native Jojoba materials were directly sputtered with gold (about 600 A) and then brought The compositions of epicuticular waxes from the in the scanning electron microscope, Philips surface of aerial parts of land plants differ from PSME 500. The pictures were shooting with a species to species [1]. In addition organ specific Polaroid camera. wax compositions are observed [2-7], The The extraction of epicuticular waxes was carried chemical nature and composition of the epi­ out with chloroform for leaves and stems [16] and cuticular waxes correlate to the morphological with hexane for pericarp and seed coats [15], structure of the plant surface and imply a liquid or solid coverage.
    [Show full text]