Functional-morphological analyses of the delicate snap-traps of the aquatic carnivorous waterwheel plant (Aldrovanda vesiculosa) with 2D and 3D imaging techniques.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

The endangered aquatic carnivorous waterwheel plant (Aldrovanda vesiculosa) catches prey with 3-5-mm-long underwater snap-traps. Trapping lasts 10-20 ms, which is 10-fold faster than in its famous sister, the terrestrial Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula). After successful capture, the trap narrows further and forms a 'stomach' for the digestion of prey, the so-called 'sickle-shaped cavity'. To date, knowledge is very scarce regarding the deformation process during narrowing and consequent functional morphology of the trap.

Methods

We performed comparative analyses of virtual 3D histology using computed tomography (CT) and conventional 2D histology. For 3D histology we established a contrasting agent-based preparation protocol tailored for delicate underwa

SUBMITTER: Westermeier AS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7596371 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature