ICG-3: Phytosphere - Research Area Transport Dynamics
Xylem Transport Group
Tasks
The Major Topic Xylem transport investigates the dynamics and mechanisms of water and solute transport for the xylem as one of the two long-distance transport pathways of higher plants. Hydrostatic pressures, flows and driving forces are of equal interest as structure-function-relationships, the interaction of the xylem with the surrounding tissues, the hydraulic continuity of the xylem and the impact of xylem and tissue solutes. Since the the xylem sap exhibits sub-atmospheric pressures, specific technical solutions must be found to allow non-destructive investigations on xylem transport and minimal-invasive xylem sap sampling.
The knowledge on the mechanisms of xylem transport gained in the course of our investigations is utilized in the context of crop optimization and bionics projects (SafePipe).
Techniques and Methodological Approaches
- Direct xylem pressure measurements (pressure probes)
- Nuclear magnetic resonance
- Water uptake and Ž Gas exchange measurements
- Anatomy and Histochemistry, and Cryo-SEM
- Element analysis at tissue level
- Xylem sap sampling with different technical approaches (e.g. root pressure chamber)
| IBG-2 Transport Dynamics |
Research Area
Transport Dynamics
Xylem transport
Phloem transport
Membrane transport
Transport in tissues
last change 09.05.2010 | ICG3 Admin | Print