The genetic differences among Luffa acutangula （L.） Roxb., Luffa cylindnca （L.） Roem. and their F1 hybrid and F2 population were analyzed by ISSR technolo- gy. The results showed that the genomic DNA of test mater...The genetic differences among Luffa acutangula （L.） Roxb., Luffa cylindnca （L.） Roem. and their F1 hybrid and F2 population were analyzed by ISSR technolo- gy. The results showed that the genomic DNA of test materials showed a high diversity; the genetic similarity coefficient between both parents was only 0.395; the bands of F1 hybrid mainly consisted of both parents＇; neither FI nor F2 was inherit- ed singly from male or female parent; there was greater genetic variation among F2 population.展开更多
The molecular structure of a higher plant myosin with two 174 kD heavy chains purified from the tendrils of Luffa cylindrica (L.) Roem. was viewed by electron microscopy. The myosin exhibited actin_activated MgATP...The molecular structure of a higher plant myosin with two 174 kD heavy chains purified from the tendrils of Luffa cylindrica (L.) Roem. was viewed by electron microscopy. The myosin exhibited actin_activated MgATPase activity and could be recognized immunologically by a monoclonal antibody against the skeletal muscle myosin. Electron micrographs of rotary shadowed images of this protein revealed that it had two heads with size and shape similar to those of the skeletal muscle myosin and a relatively short tail in comparison with the conventional myosin. Luffa tendril actin filaments were also visualized and occasionally other Luffa myosin_like proteins with globular structure at the tail ends were also observed. The structural similarity and immunological cross reactivity with antibodies against muscle myosin demonstrate that the 174 kD Luffa tendril myosin is a double_headed myosin. The possible involvement of myosin_actin interactions in Luffa tendril contact coiling will be the subject of further research.展开更多
Luffaculin 1 purified from the seeds of Luffa acutangula belongs to the type I ribosome-inactivating proteins （RIPs）. It has been crystallized by the vapor-diffusion method using polyethylene glycol as a precipitant...Luffaculin 1 purified from the seeds of Luffa acutangula belongs to the type I ribosome-inactivating proteins （RIPs）. It has been crystallized by the vapor-diffusion method using polyethylene glycol as a precipitant. The crystal is of space group P1 with a = 39.135, b = 46.813, c = 83.571 A, α = 891068,β = 80.009 and y = 72.143°, and has two molecules per asymmetric unit. X-ray data have been collected to be 1.4 A using a synchrotron source.展开更多
A new pentacyclic triterpenoid saponin, named lucyoside Q, was isolated from the leaves of Luffa cylindrica. Its structure was established as 21 β hydroxyloleanolic acid 28 O β D glucopyranoside by means of th...A new pentacyclic triterpenoid saponin, named lucyoside Q, was isolated from the leaves of Luffa cylindrica. Its structure was established as 21 β hydroxyloleanolic acid 28 O β D glucopyranoside by means of the spectral evidence and chemical methods.展开更多
[Objective] The research aimed to understand the genetic control of seed germination characters in dicotyledon plant using a suitable genetic model. [Method] An investigation of three seedling traits of seven parents ...[Objective] The research aimed to understand the genetic control of seed germination characters in dicotyledon plant using a suitable genetic model. [Method] An investigation of three seedling traits of seven parents and their F1s was undertaken in a diallel cross of sponge gourd （Luffa cylindrical Roem.） by germinating the seeds in two environments. A genetic model is developed to analyze the embryo effects as well as genotype × environment （GE） interaction effects of germination characters. [Result] Variations of the root length, shoot length and shoot dry weight were affected by genetic effects and environmental interaction effects. The three seedling traits were mainly controlled by genetic effect. Embryo dominance effects were the main genetic effect for root length and shoot length. Among the GE interaction effects, there only existed embryo dominance interaction effects for the three seedling traits. General narrow-sense heritabilities of shoot length and shoot dry weight were 7.0% and 27.3%, respectively. [Conclusion] The present modified genetic model could be used for investigating the genetic control of seed germination characters and seedling traits in dicotyledon plant.展开更多
In this study, 32 Luffa germplasm resources were collected from various regions in Zhejiang Province as experimental materials, to investigate 22 agronomic traits including fruit bearing habit, leaf margin, fruit ribb...In this study, 32 Luffa germplasm resources were collected from various regions in Zhejiang Province as experimental materials, to investigate 22 agronomic traits including fruit bearing habit, leaf margin, fruit ribbing and percentage of nodes with female flowers to total node. Based on the obtained experimental data, principal component analysis and cluster analysis were carried out using DPS software. The results showed that 22 agronomic traits could be integrated into 5 principal components, with the cumulative contributive percentage of 81. 308%. According to the correlations between the first five principal components and traits, 14 traits with great influences were screened. On the basis of principal component analysis, cluster analysis of 32 Luffa germplasm resources was conducted, which divided Luffa cylindrica and Luffa acutangula into two categories and six subcategories by Euclidean genetic distances. This study provided scientific basis for the collection, preservation, identification, creation and utilization of Luffa germplasm and parent selection in cross breeding of Luffa.展开更多
Luffa aegyptiaca fruit has been assayed for the presence of lignin peroxidase activity using veratryl alcohol as the substrate. The fruit juice contained activity of 3.14 U/ml which was much higher than 0.075 U/ml rep...Luffa aegyptiaca fruit has been assayed for the presence of lignin peroxidase activity using veratryl alcohol as the substrate. The fruit juice contained activity of 3.14 U/ml which was much higher than 0.075 U/ml reported in the culture filtrate of Phanarochaete chrysosporium ATCC-24725. The K<sub>m</sub> value of the lignin peroxidase using veratryl alcohol as the variable substrate in 50mM phosphate buffer pH 2.5 at 25°C was found to be 50 μM respectively. The pH and temperature optima of the lignin peroxidase were 2.4 and 22°C, respectively. The present article reports viable method to explore rich sources of lignin peroxidase from plants which can be used as a mediator in oxidative organic transformations within green chemistry domain ensuring ecofriendly synthesis of bioorganic molecules of pharmaceutical value.展开更多
On basis of “3414” experiment, regression analysis was conducted on rel- ative yield and fertilizer quant;.ty, and a regression equation was established, as fol- lows： Y=I 699,09 ＋52.89N -3i82P ＋59.27K-1.17N2 -0....On basis of “3414” experiment, regression analysis was conducted on rel- ative yield and fertilizer quant;.ty, and a regression equation was established, as fol- lows： Y=I 699,09 ＋52.89N -3i82P ＋59.27K-1.17N2 -0.11 p2 ＋0.06K2 ＋2.02NP-2.16NK- 1.97PK （FF=0,98）. The results of regression analysis showed F〉F0.05, indicating that fertilizer quantity is of significant regression relationship with yield. It was analyzed that yield-increasing range of N fertilizer was directly proportional to fertilizer quanti- ty, and negative yield even occurs if excessive P fertilizer is applied. In general, fertilizer effects from high to low were N fertilizer〉K ferUlizer〉P fertilizer. Besides, on equation aralysls, it was proposed the optimal fertilizer quantities included N fertilizer （N） of 270 kg, P fertilizer （PUs） of 165 kg and K fertilizer （K20） of 225 kg for achieving ideal yield of 2 500 kg/hm2 of luffa in Foshan. Key words Foshan; Luffa; Index system of fertilization; Efficiency analysis展开更多
The effect of chemical modification, reinforcement structure and fiber weight ratio on the flexural proprieties of Luffa-polyester composites was studied. A unsaturated polyester matrix reinforced with a mat of Luffa ...The effect of chemical modification, reinforcement structure and fiber weight ratio on the flexural proprieties of Luffa-polyester composites was studied. A unsaturated polyester matrix reinforced with a mat of Luffa external wall fibers (ComLEMat), a short Luffa external wall fibers(ComLEBC) and a short Luffa core fi-bers (ComLCBC) was fabricated under various conditions of fibers treatments (combined process, acetylat-ing and cyanoethylating) and fiber weight ratio. It resorts that acetylating and cyanoethylating enhance the flexural strength and the flexural modulus. The fiber weight ratio influenced the flexural properties of com-posites. Indeed, a maximum value of strength and strain is observed over a 10% fiber weight ratio. The uses of various reinforcement structures were investigated. The enhancement of elongation at break and the strain values of the composite reinforced by natural mat was proved.展开更多
The influence of cellulose nano fibers extracted from the fruit of luffa cylindrica (LC) on the tensile, flexural and impact properties of composite materials using poly lactic acid (PLA) processed by micro compoundin...The influence of cellulose nano fibers extracted from the fruit of luffa cylindrica (LC) on the tensile, flexural and impact properties of composite materials using poly lactic acid (PLA) processed by micro compounding and injection molding was studied. Preliminary results suggested promising mechanical properties. The impact strength, tensile strength and flexural strength of the composites increased with incorporation of very low content of LC fiber up to 2 wt%. But when the wt of LC fiber in the composite increased (5 wt% and 10 wt%), mechanical strength of the composites reduced probably due to agglomeration of cellulose fibers. However, modulus of composites was enhanced with increase in wt of fiber content in the composites. Before reinforcement, the LC fibers were modified with calcium phosphate in order to explore the possibilities of using these composites in biomedical industries. The novelty of this work is that there is no use of compatiblizer and coupling agent during the processing so that the cost of processing is reduced.展开更多
This paper presents the study of moisture content, hardness, bulk density, apparent porosity, tensile and flexural characteristics of composite properties of Luffa aegyptiaca fiber. Luffa aegyptiaca reinforced epoxy c...This paper presents the study of moisture content, hardness, bulk density, apparent porosity, tensile and flexural characteristics of composite properties of Luffa aegyptiaca fiber. Luffa aegyptiaca reinforced epoxy composites have been developed by hand lay-up method with Luffa fiber untreated and treated conditions for 12 Hrs and 24 Hrs in different filler loading as in 2:1 ratio (5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25%). The effects of filler loading on the moisture content, hardness, bulk density, apparent porosity, tensile and flexural properties were studied. In general, the treated Luffa fibre composite for 24 Hrs showed better improvement properties via addition of modified Luffa fibre as reinforcement. However, tensile and flexural properties improved continuously with increasing filler loading up to 20% but decreasing at 25% due to weak interfacial bonding for both untreated and treated composite. The favourable results were obtained at 20% for treated composite at 24 Hrs especially at tensile and flexural characteristics and are suitable for mechanical applications.展开更多
This work is realized in the context of valorizing natural and local resources, in particular, luffa plant fruit (luffa sponge). The raw fibers of the luffa sponge have a short lifetime. Hence, when they are chemicall...This work is realized in the context of valorizing natural and local resources, in particular, luffa plant fruit (luffa sponge). The raw fibers of the luffa sponge have a short lifetime. Hence, when they are chemically treated, it constitutes a solution is prepared to limit their degradation in the long term and to improve their mechanical characteristics. Therefore, this paper studies the effect of the chemical treatment on the mechanical properties of the luffa sponge’s fibers (fibers of luffa Sponge). The chemical process consists of dipping a brunch of luffa in various concentrations of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) at different time intervals and at different temperature conditions. The luffa sponge’s fibers were mechanical. Characterized before and after the treatment, mechanically (micro traction test). It has been shown that an optimum of 61% increase in mechanical properties (tensile strength) has been reached in the following conditions: treatment with 1% concentration for 90 min at 50°C.展开更多
6:2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate(F-53B)is a novel food contaminant that can accumulate in organisms within the food chain,posing significant risks to human health.Currently,there are no safe and effecti...6:2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate(F-53B)is a novel food contaminant that can accumulate in organisms within the food chain,posing significant risks to human health.Currently,there are no safe and effective measures to alleviate the injury caused by F-53B,particularly liver injury.Based on the healthpromoting potential of fermented foods,this study aims to assess whether Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P101-fermented Luffa cylindrica juice(LLJ)exerts alleviating effects against F-53B-induced liver injury in mice.Following orally administering 10 mL/kg body weight/day of LLJ to C57BL/6J male mice exposed to F-53B at 1 mg/kg body weight/day for 56 days,liver,colon,blood,and fecal samples were collected to assess liver damage,gut function and microbiota composition,and short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)levels.LLJ treatment effectively alleviated F-53B-induced liver function decline and liver steatosis.Moreover,LLJ treatment effectively alleviated F-53B-induced colon injury and gut microbiota dysbiosis.Crucially,fecal microbiota transplantation experiment demonstrated the crucial role of LLJ-modulated gut microbiota in alleviating F-53B-induced liver injury.Further analysis indicated that the alleviating effects of LLJ may be mediated through increased SCFA production by the gut microbiota.These findings suggest that adding fermented products to the diet may alleviate the adverse effects of emerging food contaminants.Our work offers new perspectives on the potential of fermented products as dietary interventions to counteract the adverse effects of contaminants like F-53B,offering promising avenues for dietary therapy.展开更多
Darwin, in his retiring years, conducted long-term studies at home on various modes of the movement of ordinary plant organs and sensitive floral parts, in climbing and twining plants, and in insectivorous plants. His...Darwin, in his retiring years, conducted long-term studies at home on various modes of the movement of ordinary plant organs and sensitive floral parts, in climbing and twining plants, and in insectivorous plants. His conclusions derived therefrom laid emphasis on the fundamental similarty in irritability between plant and animal species, thereby, Supporting his theory of the biological evolution. Since then, Darwin’s展开更多
基金Supported by Jiangsu Province Science and Technology Support Program,China(BE2012323)Jiangsu Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Fund[CX(11)1002]~~
文摘The genetic differences among Luffa acutangula （L.） Roxb., Luffa cylindnca （L.） Roem. and their F1 hybrid and F2 population were analyzed by ISSR technolo- gy. The results showed that the genomic DNA of test materials showed a high diversity; the genetic similarity coefficient between both parents was only 0.395; the bands of F1 hybrid mainly consisted of both parents＇; neither FI nor F2 was inherit- ed singly from male or female parent; there was greater genetic variation among F2 population.
文摘The molecular structure of a higher plant myosin with two 174 kD heavy chains purified from the tendrils of Luffa cylindrica (L.) Roem. was viewed by electron microscopy. The myosin exhibited actin_activated MgATPase activity and could be recognized immunologically by a monoclonal antibody against the skeletal muscle myosin. Electron micrographs of rotary shadowed images of this protein revealed that it had two heads with size and shape similar to those of the skeletal muscle myosin and a relatively short tail in comparison with the conventional myosin. Luffa tendril actin filaments were also visualized and occasionally other Luffa myosin_like proteins with globular structure at the tail ends were also observed. The structural similarity and immunological cross reactivity with antibodies against muscle myosin demonstrate that the 174 kD Luffa tendril myosin is a double_headed myosin. The possible involvement of myosin_actin interactions in Luffa tendril contact coiling will be the subject of further research.
基金This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 39970872) and Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province (C97052)
文摘Luffaculin 1 purified from the seeds of Luffa acutangula belongs to the type I ribosome-inactivating proteins （RIPs）. It has been crystallized by the vapor-diffusion method using polyethylene glycol as a precipitant. The crystal is of space group P1 with a = 39.135, b = 46.813, c = 83.571 A, α = 891068,β = 80.009 and y = 72.143°, and has two molecules per asymmetric unit. X-ray data have been collected to be 1.4 A using a synchrotron source.
文摘A new pentacyclic triterpenoid saponin, named lucyoside Q, was isolated from the leaves of Luffa cylindrica. Its structure was established as 21 β hydroxyloleanolic acid 28 O β D glucopyranoside by means of the spectral evidence and chemical methods.
基金Suppored by Science Program Foundation of Taizhou City(102TG01)~~
文摘[Objective] The research aimed to understand the genetic control of seed germination characters in dicotyledon plant using a suitable genetic model. [Method] An investigation of three seedling traits of seven parents and their F1s was undertaken in a diallel cross of sponge gourd （Luffa cylindrical Roem.） by germinating the seeds in two environments. A genetic model is developed to analyze the embryo effects as well as genotype × environment （GE） interaction effects of germination characters. [Result] Variations of the root length, shoot length and shoot dry weight were affected by genetic effects and environmental interaction effects. The three seedling traits were mainly controlled by genetic effect. Embryo dominance effects were the main genetic effect for root length and shoot length. Among the GE interaction effects, there only existed embryo dominance interaction effects for the three seedling traits. General narrow-sense heritabilities of shoot length and shoot dry weight were 7.0% and 27.3%, respectively. [Conclusion] The present modified genetic model could be used for investigating the genetic control of seed germination characters and seedling traits in dicotyledon plant.
基金Supported by"San Nong Liu Fang"Science and Technology Cooperation Project of Zhejiang Province(ZNJF[2011]No.85)Major Project of Science and Technology of Zhejiang Province(2009C2006-1-8)
文摘In this study, 32 Luffa germplasm resources were collected from various regions in Zhejiang Province as experimental materials, to investigate 22 agronomic traits including fruit bearing habit, leaf margin, fruit ribbing and percentage of nodes with female flowers to total node. Based on the obtained experimental data, principal component analysis and cluster analysis were carried out using DPS software. The results showed that 22 agronomic traits could be integrated into 5 principal components, with the cumulative contributive percentage of 81. 308%. According to the correlations between the first five principal components and traits, 14 traits with great influences were screened. On the basis of principal component analysis, cluster analysis of 32 Luffa germplasm resources was conducted, which divided Luffa cylindrica and Luffa acutangula into two categories and six subcategories by Euclidean genetic distances. This study provided scientific basis for the collection, preservation, identification, creation and utilization of Luffa germplasm and parent selection in cross breeding of Luffa.
文摘Luffa aegyptiaca fruit has been assayed for the presence of lignin peroxidase activity using veratryl alcohol as the substrate. The fruit juice contained activity of 3.14 U/ml which was much higher than 0.075 U/ml reported in the culture filtrate of Phanarochaete chrysosporium ATCC-24725. The K<sub>m</sub> value of the lignin peroxidase using veratryl alcohol as the variable substrate in 50mM phosphate buffer pH 2.5 at 25°C was found to be 50 μM respectively. The pH and temperature optima of the lignin peroxidase were 2.4 and 22°C, respectively. The present article reports viable method to explore rich sources of lignin peroxidase from plants which can be used as a mediator in oxidative organic transformations within green chemistry domain ensuring ecofriendly synthesis of bioorganic molecules of pharmaceutical value.
基金Supported by High-efficient Cultivation Technology System Construction Project of Characteristic Vegetable in Foshan([2015]12)Special Fund of Minstry of Agriculture(201503106)~~
文摘On basis of “3414” experiment, regression analysis was conducted on rel- ative yield and fertilizer quant;.ty, and a regression equation was established, as fol- lows： Y=I 699,09 ＋52.89N -3i82P ＋59.27K-1.17N2 -0.11 p2 ＋0.06K2 ＋2.02NP-2.16NK- 1.97PK （FF=0,98）. The results of regression analysis showed F〉F0.05, indicating that fertilizer quantity is of significant regression relationship with yield. It was analyzed that yield-increasing range of N fertilizer was directly proportional to fertilizer quanti- ty, and negative yield even occurs if excessive P fertilizer is applied. In general, fertilizer effects from high to low were N fertilizer〉K ferUlizer〉P fertilizer. Besides, on equation aralysls, it was proposed the optimal fertilizer quantities included N fertilizer （N） of 270 kg, P fertilizer （PUs） of 165 kg and K fertilizer （K20） of 225 kg for achieving ideal yield of 2 500 kg/hm2 of luffa in Foshan. Key words Foshan; Luffa; Index system of fertilization; Efficiency analysis
文摘The effect of chemical modification, reinforcement structure and fiber weight ratio on the flexural proprieties of Luffa-polyester composites was studied. A unsaturated polyester matrix reinforced with a mat of Luffa external wall fibers (ComLEMat), a short Luffa external wall fibers(ComLEBC) and a short Luffa core fi-bers (ComLCBC) was fabricated under various conditions of fibers treatments (combined process, acetylat-ing and cyanoethylating) and fiber weight ratio. It resorts that acetylating and cyanoethylating enhance the flexural strength and the flexural modulus. The fiber weight ratio influenced the flexural properties of com-posites. Indeed, a maximum value of strength and strain is observed over a 10% fiber weight ratio. The uses of various reinforcement structures were investigated. The enhancement of elongation at break and the strain values of the composite reinforced by natural mat was proved.
文摘The influence of cellulose nano fibers extracted from the fruit of luffa cylindrica (LC) on the tensile, flexural and impact properties of composite materials using poly lactic acid (PLA) processed by micro compounding and injection molding was studied. Preliminary results suggested promising mechanical properties. The impact strength, tensile strength and flexural strength of the composites increased with incorporation of very low content of LC fiber up to 2 wt%. But when the wt of LC fiber in the composite increased (5 wt% and 10 wt%), mechanical strength of the composites reduced probably due to agglomeration of cellulose fibers. However, modulus of composites was enhanced with increase in wt of fiber content in the composites. Before reinforcement, the LC fibers were modified with calcium phosphate in order to explore the possibilities of using these composites in biomedical industries. The novelty of this work is that there is no use of compatiblizer and coupling agent during the processing so that the cost of processing is reduced.
文摘This paper presents the study of moisture content, hardness, bulk density, apparent porosity, tensile and flexural characteristics of composite properties of Luffa aegyptiaca fiber. Luffa aegyptiaca reinforced epoxy composites have been developed by hand lay-up method with Luffa fiber untreated and treated conditions for 12 Hrs and 24 Hrs in different filler loading as in 2:1 ratio (5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25%). The effects of filler loading on the moisture content, hardness, bulk density, apparent porosity, tensile and flexural properties were studied. In general, the treated Luffa fibre composite for 24 Hrs showed better improvement properties via addition of modified Luffa fibre as reinforcement. However, tensile and flexural properties improved continuously with increasing filler loading up to 20% but decreasing at 25% due to weak interfacial bonding for both untreated and treated composite. The favourable results were obtained at 20% for treated composite at 24 Hrs especially at tensile and flexural characteristics and are suitable for mechanical applications.
文摘This work is realized in the context of valorizing natural and local resources, in particular, luffa plant fruit (luffa sponge). The raw fibers of the luffa sponge have a short lifetime. Hence, when they are chemically treated, it constitutes a solution is prepared to limit their degradation in the long term and to improve their mechanical characteristics. Therefore, this paper studies the effect of the chemical treatment on the mechanical properties of the luffa sponge’s fibers (fibers of luffa Sponge). The chemical process consists of dipping a brunch of luffa in various concentrations of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) at different time intervals and at different temperature conditions. The luffa sponge’s fibers were mechanical. Characterized before and after the treatment, mechanically (micro traction test). It has been shown that an optimum of 61% increase in mechanical properties (tensile strength) has been reached in the following conditions: treatment with 1% concentration for 90 min at 50°C.
基金supported by the Research Foundation from Academic and Technical Leaders of Major Disciplines in Jiangxi Province,China(20194BCJ22004)the“Unveiling and Commanding”Project of Fuzhou,Jiangxi Province,China(No.2022JDB45).
文摘6:2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate(F-53B)is a novel food contaminant that can accumulate in organisms within the food chain,posing significant risks to human health.Currently,there are no safe and effective measures to alleviate the injury caused by F-53B,particularly liver injury.Based on the healthpromoting potential of fermented foods,this study aims to assess whether Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P101-fermented Luffa cylindrica juice(LLJ)exerts alleviating effects against F-53B-induced liver injury in mice.Following orally administering 10 mL/kg body weight/day of LLJ to C57BL/6J male mice exposed to F-53B at 1 mg/kg body weight/day for 56 days,liver,colon,blood,and fecal samples were collected to assess liver damage,gut function and microbiota composition,and short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)levels.LLJ treatment effectively alleviated F-53B-induced liver function decline and liver steatosis.Moreover,LLJ treatment effectively alleviated F-53B-induced colon injury and gut microbiota dysbiosis.Crucially,fecal microbiota transplantation experiment demonstrated the crucial role of LLJ-modulated gut microbiota in alleviating F-53B-induced liver injury.Further analysis indicated that the alleviating effects of LLJ may be mediated through increased SCFA production by the gut microbiota.These findings suggest that adding fermented products to the diet may alleviate the adverse effects of emerging food contaminants.Our work offers new perspectives on the potential of fermented products as dietary interventions to counteract the adverse effects of contaminants like F-53B,offering promising avenues for dietary therapy.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China.
文摘Darwin, in his retiring years, conducted long-term studies at home on various modes of the movement of ordinary plant organs and sensitive floral parts, in climbing and twining plants, and in insectivorous plants. His conclusions derived therefrom laid emphasis on the fundamental similarty in irritability between plant and animal species, thereby, Supporting his theory of the biological evolution. Since then, Darwin’s
