Force Generation in the Coiling Tendrils of Passiflora caerulea
Frederike Klimm1,2,3,4, Thomas Speck1,2,3,4, Marc Thielen1,2,3
1Plant Biomechanics Group @ Botanic Garden, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, D-79104, Freiburg, Germany.
Advanced Science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)
|August 6, 2023
Summary
Climbing plant tendrils form helical springs, generating tensional forces crucial for substrate attachment. This coiling mechanism involves two phases: initial lignification dependent on water status, followed by stabilization for permanent function.
Area of Science:
- Plant biology
- Biomechanics
- Materials science
Background:
- Climbing plants utilize tendrils for support, coiling them into helical springs.
- These tendrils generate significant tensional forces for attachment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanism of helical spring formation in climbing plant tendrils.
- To determine the forces generated by tendrils and their dependence on hydration.
Main Methods:
- In situ force measurements on Passiflora caerulea tendrils.
- Anatomical investigations of tendril structure.
- Dehydration-rehydration experiments on tendril segments and lignified tissues.
Main Results:
- Tendril coiling generates forces of 6-140 mN, sufficient for substrate attachment.
- Generated force is strongly correlated with plant water status.
- A two-phasic mechanism for spring formation was proposed, involving unilateral and then complete central lignification.
Conclusions:
- The helical spring formation is a two-phasic process: a turgor-dependent coiling phase and a hydration-independent stabilization phase.
- Unilateral bilayer contraction is a potential driving force for coiling.
- Lignification secures the tendril's spring function regardless of hydration.
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