Structures absorb amino acids: potbelly airplant

The leaves of the potbelly airplant actively take up amino acids from solution via specialized epidermal hair-like structures.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

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Biomimetic Application Ideas

Nitrogen trapping and absorption.

[Collapse all sections] Summary

"Under dry conditions, the upper dead cells of the trichome form a cup-like shape with the rim composed of slightly curled wing cells (Fig. 1). When wetted, these cells rapidly absorb water and the wing cells flatten against the surface of surrounding epidermal cells. All water entry into the plant follows a route from the wing cells through the ring and central disc cells to the living dome and foot cells…Histo-autoradiographic studies using labeled amino acids indicate that living stalk cells of T. [Tillandsia] paucifolia trichomes may be capable of taking up dissolved free amino acids from extrafoliar solutions." (Nyman et al. 1987:682)

About the inspiring organism

Tillandsia paucifolia
Tillandsia paucifolia Baker
[Potbelly airplant]

IUCN Red List Status: Unknown

Some organism data provided by: World Checklist of Selected Plant Families
Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Nitrogen trapping and absorption.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Agriculture, carbon capture

References

Nyman, L. P.; Davis, J. P.; O'Dell S, J.; Arditti, J.; Stephens, G. C.; Benzing, D. H. 1987. Active Uptake of Amino Acids by Leaves of an Epiphytic Vascular Plant, Tillandsia paucifolia (Bromeliaceae). Plant Physiol. 83(3): 681-684.

Structures absorb amino acids: potbelly airplant

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