Aspects of the physiology of the resurrection plant Xerophyta Humilis under different environmental conditions

Loffell, D. A.

Aspects of the physiology of the resurrection plant Xerophyta Humilis under different environmental conditions

Master Thesis

2002

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

Department of Biological Sciences

Faculty

Faculty of Science

Abstract

Xerophyta humilis is a resurrection monocot that is able to survive drying of its tissues to an air-dry state. in order to assess the alidity of laboratory-based experimentation, and the results obtained from such studies, a comparison of aspects of X. humilis physiology under different environmental conditions was undertaken. Analyses of chlorophyll ﬂuorescence, gas exchange parameters, pigment concentrations and electrolyte leakage were performed on plants dehydrated under laboratory conditions differing with respect to light intensity ("high light" (ca. 1400 ųmol.m-². s-¹) and "low light" (ca. 400 ųmol. m-². s-¹)). Physiological parameters were also examined during rehydration under high and low light laboratory conditions, and natural ﬁeld conditions. Plants maintained fully hydrated for some time were also examined under laboratory conditions for the occurrence of rhythmic patterns in their daily physiology, and for any evidence of acclimatisation to the different environments.

Description

Bibliography: leaves 92-100.

Keywords

Botany

Reference:

Collections

Masters

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