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CALCIUM-CONTAINING CRYSTALS IN TELFAIRIA HOOKER (CUCURBITACEAE)
1Department of Botany, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B. 5323, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
This study investigated calcium oxalate and calcium carbonate crystals in Telfairia plants. Crystals are abundant in vascular tissues, with edible T. occidentalis having significant oxalate content.
Area of Science:
- Plant anatomy
- Biomineralization
- Agricultural science
Background:
- Telfairia species are important crops, but their crystal content is not well understood.
- Crystals in plants can affect nutritional value and processing.
- Understanding crystal distribution is key to crop improvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the distribution, location, and forms of crystals in Telfairia pedata and T. occidentalis.
- To identify the chemical composition of these crystals.
- To quantify oxalate content in edible parts of T. occidentalis.
Main Methods:
- Polarized light microscopy
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
- Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX)
- Histochemical tests
Main Results:
- Calcium oxalate crystals (solitary, acicular, druse) are abundant in vascular tissues of both species.
- Calcium carbonate (cystolith-like) crystals are found at the base of macrohairs and in leaf veins.
- T. occidentalis leaf laminae contain substantial soluble oxalate; total oxalate content was quantified.
Conclusions:
- Telfairia species exhibit diverse crystal types, primarily calcium oxalate and calcium carbonate.
- Crystal distribution is concentrated around vascular tissues.
- Oxalate content in edible T. occidentalis warrants consideration for nutritional and dietary applications.
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