Journal Article

Morphological and structural characterization of the attachment system in aerial roots of Syngonium podophyllum

Yang, Xiaojun, Deng, Wenli

2017

Overview

The morphological variability of attachment organs reflects diverse climbing strategies. One such anchoring mode in clinging-climbers involves the time-dependent interaction between roots and the support: By naturally occurring adhesive roots with root hairs, the plant can ascend on supports of any shape and size. As a typical root-climber, Syngonium podophyllum develops elongate aerial roots at nodes. Here, we studied its attachment behavior from the external morphology to the internal structure in detail. Through SEM and LM observation on several root-substrate interfaces, we suggested that the attachment of aerial roots was mediated by a multi-step process, in which root hairs played significant roles in releasing mucilaginous substance and securing the durable anchorage. We summarized all the types of shape changes of root hairs with particular focus on the abnormal transition from a tube to a helical-crack ribbon. We demonstrated our understanding with respect to the formation of the helical-crack root hairs, based on the structural evidence of cellulose microfibrils orientation on the cell wall lamellae. The helical-crack root hairs serving as energy-dissipating units retard the failure of adhesion under high winds and loads.

• Publisher: Springer Science + Business Media,Springer Berlin Heidelberg,Springer Nature B.V
• Subject: Agriculture / Araceae - anatomy & histology / Araceae - ultrastructure / Biomedical and Life Sciences / cell walls / Cellulose / cellulose microfibrils / Ecology / Forestry / Life Sciences / ORIGINAL ARTICLE / Plant Bark - ultrastructure / Plant Roots - anatomy & histology / Plant Roots - ultrastructure / Plant Sciences / root hairs / Roots / scanning electron microscopy / Syngonium podophyllum / wind speed