Mineralized trichomes in Boraginales: complex microscale heterogeneity and simple phylogenetic patterns.

ABSTRACT: Background and Aims:Boraginales are often characterized by a dense cover of stiff, mineralized trichomes, which may act as a first line of defence against herbivores. Recent studies have demonstrated that the widely reported silica and calcium carbonate in plant trichomes may be replaced by calcium phosphate. The present study investigates mineralization patterns in 42 species from nine families of the order Boraginales to investigate detailed patterns of mineralization and the possible presence of a phylogenetic signal in different mineralization patterns. Methods:The distribution of biominerals was analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) including cryo-SEM and energy-dispersive X-ray analyses with element mapping. The observed distribution of biominerals was plotted onto a publish

SUBMITTER: Mustafa A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5853025 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature