LATICIFER Meaning and
Definition
-
A laticifer refers to a specialized plant cell or tissue involved in the synthesis and transportation of latex in certain plant species. Latex, a milky fluid, is comprised of several substances including proteins, carbohydrates, resins, and other organic compounds. Laticifers are most commonly found in various families of flowering plants, such as Apocynaceae and Euphorbiaceae.
The laticifer cells are unique structures with elongated tubular shapes that can be interconnected, forming a network within the plant's tissues. These cells are responsible for the production, storage, and secretion of latex. Laticifers often extend throughout different parts of the plant, including stems, leaves, and roots. They may have distinct locations within the plant, such as in the inner bark or the central cylinder of the stem.
Laticifers have prominent roles in plant defense mechanisms, as the latex they produce can function as a deterrent against herbivores and pathogens. The release of latex upon tissue damage helps in sealing wounds and protects the plants from further injury or infection. Additionally, laticifer cells play essential roles in various physiological processes, such as nutrient transport, waste disposal, and hormone distribution within the plant.
Understanding the structure and function of laticifers is crucial for research in plant physiology, biochemistry, and botany. By studying laticifer development, composition, and regulation, scientists can gain insights into plant defense strategies, pharmaceutical applications, and crop improvement techniques.
Common Misspellings for LATICIFER
- katicifer
- paticifer
- oaticifer
- lzticifer
- lsticifer
- lwticifer
- lqticifer
- laricifer
- laficifer
- lagicifer
- layicifer
- la6icifer
- la5icifer
- latucifer
- latjcifer
- latkcifer
- latocifer
- lat9cifer
- lat8cifer
- latixifer
Etymology of LATICIFER
The word "laticifer" is derived from two Latin roots: "latices" and "ferre".
The Latin word "latices" means "latex" or "a milky fluid", which refers to the liquid found in the vessels or ducts of certain plants, such as rubber trees.
The second root, "ferre", means "to carry" or "to bear". It is a common root in many words related to transportation or movement. In the case of "laticifer", it indicates that these vessels or ducts "carry" or "bear" latex or milky fluid.
Therefore, "laticifer" can be understood etymologically as a term that describes the specific plant structure responsible for producing and transporting latex or milky fluid.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
