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Pine Cone Opening Mechanism
Name: Jules
Status: student
Grade: other
Location: Outside U.S.
Country: France
Date: Spring 2011
Question:
I read the question about pine cones wet and dry. My
question is : what is the structural mechanism in detail, that is at
the origin of opening and closing ?
Replies:
Pine cones are comprised of two scale types – seed scales (often
called ovuliferous scales since they act as a “womb” for the
developing seed) and bract scales. The seed scales are the most
conspicuous. Bract scales are reduced in size and subtend (meaning
they accompany) the seed scales.
Seed scales can actually detect and adapt to changes in relative
humidity. Wetness causes the scales to stiffen up and close in sync.
When conditions are dry, they reopen.
How does this process work mechanically? The inner surface of the seed
scale has elongated sclerenchyma fiber (strength and support) cells,
while the outer surface has sclerids (short sclerenchyma cells).
Although both of these cell types are technically dead, they allow for
passive uptake and release of water. Both cell types have cellulose
microfibrils (like threads) that wind around the cells. The winding
angle determines how the cell reacts when absorbing water. A high
winding angle (sclerids) allows elongation when damp. A low winding
angle (fibers) resists elongation. When the two work in concert,
scales will tighten or loosen up based on the relative humidity,
allowing the whole cone to close or open.
Incidentally, this phenomena has been exploited to create “impossible
bottles” – allowing seemingly oversize cones to be placed in a narrow
- Hide quoted text -
necked bottle. The reality is that the cones were exposed to damp
conditions, placed in the bottle, and then allowed to dry and expand.
Dr. Tim Durham
Instructor, Office of Curriculum and Instruction
University Colloquium
Department of Biological Sciences
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Update: June 2012
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