Concept explainers
Insect-Assisted Fertilization in Moss Moss sperm can swim, but plant ecologist Nils Cronberg suspected that they sometimes hitch a ride on crawling insects or mites (tiny animals related to spiders). To test this hypothesis he carried out an experiment. He placed patches of male and female moss gametophytes in dishes, either next to one another or with water-absorbing plaster between them. The plaster prevented sperm from Swimming between plants. He then looked at how the presence or absence of insects affected the number of sporophytes formed. FIGURE 22.8 shows his results.
FIGURE 22.8 Sporophyte production in female moss patches with and without either crawling insects (springtails) or mites. No Sporophytes formed in the animal-free dishes when moss patches were 2 or 4 centimeters apart
Why is sporophyte formation a good way to determine if fertilization occurred?
To determine: The chemical that was produced in the greatest amount and its stimulus.
Concept introduction: Secondary metabolites are produced as metabolic intermediate or product but they are not essential for growth. They play a role in reinforcement of tissues for example cellulose, suberin, lignin; protection, and serve as attractants for pollinators. They contribute in plant’s ability to compete and survive. Volatile compounds are such secondary metabolites produced by plants. They attract insects for pollination as well as provide defensive signaling systems against pests and diseases.
Answer to Problem 1DAA
Correct answer: The chemical β-Caryophyllene was produced in greatest amount in response to the treatment with budworms and thrips.
Explanation of Solution
As given in the problem statement, the researchers studied the production of different volatile chemicals by tobacco plants in response to predation by insects- western flower thrips and tobacco budworms.
Refer Fig. 30.19, “Volatile (airborne) compounds produced by tobacco plants in response to predation by different insects” in the textbook. It shows the results of volatile compounds produced (ng/ day) in untreated plants (C), plants that are mechanically wounded (W), attacked by thrips (T), mechanically wounded and attacked by thrips (WT), attacked by budworms (HV), or attacked by budworms and thrips (HVT). When tobacco plants were treated with budworms and thrips (HVT), the chemical β-Caryophyllene was produced that was measured as 6,166 ng/ day. This was the highest amount of chemical produced among all the treatments.
Want to see more full solutions like this?
Chapter 22 Solutions
Biology: The Unity and Diversity of Life (MindTap Course List)
Additional Science Textbook Solutions
Biological Science (6th Edition)
College Physics: A Strategic Approach (3rd Edition)
Laboratory Manual For Human Anatomy & Physiology
SEELEY'S ANATOMY+PHYSIOLOGY
Biology: Life on Earth with Physiology (11th Edition)
Physics of Everyday Phenomena
- Selection of Traits What adaptations do scavengers have for locating and feeding on prey? What adaptations do predators have for capturing and consuming prey?arrow_forwardCompetition Between Species What natural processes limit populations from growing too large? What are some resources organisms can compete over in their natural habitat?arrow_forwardSpecies Interactions Explain how predators, prey and scavengers interact. Explain whether predators and scavengers are necessary or beneficial for an ecosystem.arrow_forward
- magine that you are conducting research on fruit type and seed dispersal. You submitted a paper to a peer-reviewed journal that addresses the factors that impact fruit type and seed dispersal mechanisms in plants of Central America. The editor of the journal communicates that your paper may be published if you make ‘minor revisions’ to the document. Describe two characteristics that you would expect in seeds that are dispersed by the wind. Contrast this with what you would expect for seeds that are gathered, buried or eaten by animals, and explain why they are different. (Editor’s note: Providing this information in your discussion will help readers to consider the significance of the research).arrow_forwardWhat is the difference between Uniporters, Symporters and Antiporters? Which of these are examples of active transport?arrow_forwardWhat are coupled transporters?arrow_forward
- How do histamine and prostaglandins help in the mobilization of leukocytes to an injury site? What are chemotactic factors? How do they affect inflammation process?arrow_forwardCompare and contrast neutrophils and macrophages. Describe two ways they are different and two ways they are similar.arrow_forwardDescribe the effects of three cytokines (not involved in the initial inflammation response). What cells release them?arrow_forward