Star cell in a plant
Fragrant oils, burning nettle hair and sweet nectar - the star cell gives a plant a colorful variety of properties. You can find out how this works here.
General information about the star cell
- The term “star cell” refers to one or more cells that stand out in a plant tissue due to their different nature, for example due to their size or structure.
- These cells take on certain special functions in the organism. So they differ so much from their neighboring cells to make the plant more complex.
- In principle, star cells can occur in any location; but mostly in the base fabric or in the top fabric.
Function of the star cell in the plant
- Some plants develop star cells into defensive weapons: the nettle mentioned at the beginning is a nice example in which a combination of hair cells and gland cells is present.
- Most star cells contain so-called phytochemicals. Everything imaginable is represented here, from waste products to essential oils. These serve z. B. as an attractant for animals, for wound healing (resin) or as a trap, like the sticky secretion on sundew (see picture).
- The plant often regulates its metabolism with the help of its stellate cells. In this way, it can also survive on soils that are particularly rich in minerals by excreting excess substances. The other way around it is also possible energy- and water supplies if the environment is poor in nutrients.
Yoke wool - what is it?
Yoke wool - that sounds like material for thick winter sweaters at first. Many …
Use by humans
- What is useful for the plant is often also useful for humans.
- Many of the phytochemicals have a pharmaceutical effect and are therefore used in medicine as natural healing substances.
- Other important products are various waxes or the sap of the rubber tree from which rubber is extracted.
Be it through feeding protection, metabolic optimization or sexual attractants - thanks to its star cells, the plant becomes a survivor.
How helpful do you find this article?
