The trap architecture of Utricularia multifida and Utricularia westonii (subg. Polypompholyx)

0505265 - BÚ 2020 RIV CH eng J - Journal Article
Płachno, B.J. - Świątek, P. - Adamec, Lubomír - Carvalho, S. - Miranda, V.F.O.
The trap architecture of Utricularia multifida and Utricularia westonii (subg. Polypompholyx).
Frontiers in Plant Science. Roč. 10, MAR 26 2019 (2019), s. 1-11, č. článku 336. ISSN 1664-462X. E-ISSN 1664-462X
Institutional support: RVO:67985939
Keywords : aquatic carnivorous plants * Lentibulariaceae * trap anatomy
OECD category: Plant sciences, botany
Impact factor: 4.402, year: 2019
Method of publishing: Open access

Utricularia multifida and U. westonii have specific thick-walled traps, triangular in transverse section but their functioning is unclear. Some authors suggest that the trap door in U. multifida acts without a suction trapping mechanism. Our aim was to check the anatomical trap characters responsible for possible water outflow and maintaining negative pressure. Using microscopic techniques, we investigated the ultrastructure of external trap glands, quadrifids, glands near the entrance (bifids), and also pavement epithelium. Quadrifids of both species have a similar structure to those known in other species from the genus. Glands near the entrance, responsible for water pumping in other species, are typically developed as in other species in the genus. Our anatomical results indirectly support the hypothesis that both species have suction traps like all other Utricularia species, but the biophysical data rather suggest a passive valve mechanism.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0296742