Supervisor: prof. dr hab. Bartosz J. Płachno (bartosz.plachno@uj.edu.pl)

Institute of Botany

Background information:

The genus Utricularia (Lentibulariaceae) includes around 250 species of carnivorous plants, which have an unusual vegetative body and possess traps for catching the small invertebrates. Utricularia traps have different types of glandular trichomes that have different functions. However, the function and exact structure of these glands is still unclear. Due to miniature genomes and highly enhanced molecular evolutionary rates in chloroplast, mitochondrial and nuclear ribosomal sequences Utricularia has become an interesting model for research also in case of reproduction and vegetative organ development.

The main question to be addressed in the project:

The aim of the project is to compare many species of bladderworts (Utricularia) from various sections and subgenera in terms of structure, development of dome-shaped external glands from the trap and other organs. The main question is whether these trichomes perform similar functions in different species or whether there is a specialization.

Information on the methods/description of work:

PhD candidate will use various anatomical methods, light microscopy but also scanning and transmission electron microscopies.

Additional information (e.g Special requirements from the student):

A potential candidate should possess basic knowledge on the plant anatomy, microscopy and cell structure as well as the ability to work in interdisciplinary research teams.

Place/name of potential foreign collaborator:

will be determined later.

References:

[1] Miranda VFO, Silva SR, Reut MS, Dolsan H, Stolarczyk P, Rutishauser R, Płachno BJ. 2021. A historical perspective of bladderworts (Utricularia): traps, carnivory and body architecture. Plants 10: 2656. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10122656

[2] Fineran BA. 1985. Glandular trichomes in Utricularia: a review of their structure and function. Israel Journal of Botany 34: 295-330.

[3] Reut MS, Płachno BJ. 2020. Unusual developmental morphology and anatomy of vegetative organs in Utricularia dichotoma-leaf, shoot and root dynamics. Protoplasma. 257(2):371-390. doi: 10.1007/s00709-019-01443-6.