A lichen protected by a super-hydrophobic and breathable structure

作者:Shirtcliffe Neil J*; Pyatt F Brian; Newton Michael I; McHale Glen
来源:Journal of Plant Physiology, 2006, 163(11): 1193-1197.
DOI:10.1016/j.jplph.2005.11.007

摘要

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.

  • 出版日期2006-11

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