Abstract
The time dependence of the formation of lotus wax tubules after recrystallization from various chloroform-based solutions on an HOPG surface at room temperature was studied by atomic force microscopy (magnetic AC mode) taking series of consecutive images of the formation process. The growth of the tubules oriented in an upright fashion follows a sequential rodlet→ring→tubule behavior. The influence of a number of factors, e.g., different wax concentration in chloroform, the additional presence of water, or salts [(NH4)2SO4, NH4NO3] or a mixture of salt/water in the solution on the growth rate and orientation of the tubules is also investigated. Different wax concentrations were found to have no effect on the growth rate or the orientation of tubules in none of the solutions. The presence of water, however, considerably increased the growth rate of tubule formation, while the presence of salt was again found to have no effect on growth rate or orientation of tubules.
Highlights
The plant cuticle, a cutin matrix embedded and covered by waxes provides a multitasking interface between plant and environment [1]
Tubules oriented in an upright fashion similar to those found by Koch et al [21] on HOPG were observed in this case
Trace images are used for making videos
Summary
The plant cuticle, a cutin matrix embedded and covered by waxes provides a multitasking interface between plant and environment [1]. These waxes are either reside within the cutin layer (intracuticular wax) or deposited over the cutin surface (epicuticular wax) of primary plant organs. Being the first point of contact between plants and environment, the cuticle provides protection against water loss and external environmental stresses. Other important functions include control of transpiration, hydrophobicity, protection of photo synthetic cells, interaction with chemicals and other organisms, providing optical properties etc. Plant waxes are a conglomerate of various long chain (>C20) hydrocarbons, aldehydes, ketones, acids, Beilstein J.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
