Shirtcliffe, Neil, Pyatt, F. Brian, Newton, Michael and McHale, Glen (2006) A lichen protected by a super-hydrophobic and breathable structure. Journal of Plant Physiology, 163 (11). pp. 1193-1197. ISSN 0176-1617
|
PDF (Postprint)
Postprint_McHale_JPP_vol_163_p1193_2006.pdf - Published Version Download (1MB) | Preview |
Abstract
A species of lichen, Lecanora conizaeoides, is shown to be super-hydrophobic. It uses a combination of hydrophobic compounds and multi-layered roughness to shed water effectively. This is combined with gas channels to produce a biological analogue of a waterproof, breathable garment. The particular lichen grows mostly during wet seasons and is unusually resistant to acid rain [Hauck, M., 2003. The Bryotogist 106(2), 257-269; Honegger, R., 1998. Lichenologist 30(3),193-212]. The waterproof, breathable surface allows this lichen to photosynthesise when other species are covered with a layer of water. In addition, rainwater runs off the surface of the organism, reducing its intake of water from above and probably contributing to its resistance to acid rain.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | acid rain, breathable, fungus |
| Subjects: | C100 Biology F300 Physics F800 Physical and Terrestrial Geographical and Environmental Sciences |
| Department: | Faculties > Engineering and Environment > Mathematics, Physics and Electrical Engineering |
| Depositing User: | Glen McHale |
| Date Deposited: | 23 Aug 2012 13:16 |
| Last Modified: | 17 Dec 2023 12:48 |
| URI: | https://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/8323 |
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |
Downloads
Downloads per month over past year
