Modelling the mechanical behaviour of pit membranes in bordered pits with respect to cavitation resistance in angiosperms.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Various correlations have been identified between anatomical features of bordered pits in angiosperm xylem and vulnerability to cavitation, suggesting that the mechanical behaviour of the pits may play a role. Theoretical modelling of the membrane behaviour has been undertaken, but it requires input of parameters at the nanoscale level. However, to date, no experimental data have indicated clearly that pit membranes experience strain at high levels during cavitation events.

Methods

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used in order to quantify the pit micromorphology of four tree species that show contrasting differences in vulnerability to cavitation, namely Sorbus aria, Carpinus betulus, Fagus sylvatica and Populus tremula. This allowed anatomical

SUBMITTER: Tixier A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4111388 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature